The UK gambling industry has agreed a code of practice banning advertising on children's size replica sports shirts.

In a move mirroring that of the drinks industry, gambling industry groups have drawn up the code in advance of the 2005 Gambling Act, which comes into force, September 1.

The industry has came under pressure from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to agree the code, which will affect shirt sponsorships of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland.

According to The Observer newspaper, the agreement follows talks with the Culture, Media and Sports Secretary, James Purnell who reportedly told industry representatives that he would not hesitate to act unless they tightened the voluntary rules.

Under the new code, there will also be no gambling adverts before 9pm and they will carry 'social responsibility signposting' similar to that in alcohol advertising.