Two "offensive" number plates have been withdrawn from a Worcestershire auction.

The plates F4 GOT and D1 KES, which bear resemblance to the derogatory terms faggot and dykes, were due to go under the hammer in Broadway.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) removed the plates on grounds of "the clear potential offence".

The gay rights group Stonewall said such action by public authorities helped to make Britain "more equal".

A spokesman said: "We welcome the action by the DVLA in ensuring that these potentially offensive items were withdrawn from sale."

The plates were due to be among 1,600 plates auctioned later this week.

Each of the private plates had a reserve price of £900.

A spokesman for the DVLA said: "DVLA has responsibility to ensure that the combinations used on registration marks do not cause general upset or offence.

"Having reviewed the appropriateness of the registration marks F4 GOT and D1 KES, we have withdrawn these marks from sale on the grounds of the clear potential offence they may cause."