A TV advertisement for a bank, which was seen as containing a negative reference to the indoor health and fitness sector, has been withdrawn following criticism from parts of the fitness industry of the message it communicated.

The controversial advert, promoting NatWest Bank's Moneysense campaign, included a scene where a customer was recommended to ditch a gym membership and instead go "jogging in the street".

Dave Stalker, operations director at the FIA, says: “As the representative body, the FIA is committed to protecting and supporting the industry’s interests in whichever way we can.

“We’re delighted by this result and extend thanks to all who joined together to support the industry.”

Andreé Deane, FIA CEO added: “The bank should be congratulated on its swift and responsible action. Like us, it is a government delivery partner, and we hope that what started out as a rocky relationship will blossom and lead to closer ties in 2009.”