A magazine poster showing British comedian Graham Norton naked and holding a picture of Pope John Paul II has been judged as not offensive to Roman Catholics.

The Advertising Standards Authority rejected complaints about the Time Out magazine cover which was displayed on a poster in London Underground stations.

The advert featured chat show host Norton standing naked and covering his genitals with a framed photograph of Pope John Paul II.

The text beside him read: "Holy Saint Patrick's!" and continued: "Graham Norton bares all in our guide to the London craic, from comedy to the best Irish pubs."

Eleven people told the ASA the poster was offensive to Roman Catholics.

But Time Out claimed the image did not challenge the question of faith or suggest that people did not have a right to their beliefs.

It said the picture of the Pope was in a frame and had not been tampered with.

Though it accepted the image of Graham Norton could suggest flippancy, Time Out said the intention was to be light-hearted.

Rejecting the complaints, the ASA said the poster had caused offence to some Roman Catholics but was unlikely to cause serious or widespread offence.