A SHOPPING catalogue featuring sex toys next to children's toys was attacked yesterday. Grannies' favourite, Empire Catalogue, offer vibrators and massagers for sale in their autumn/winter edition.

But church leaders are angry at the firm for picturing the items in pages young children are likely to flick past on their way to dolls and computer games.

Last night, they said they were ``appalled'' at the catalogue's decision to feature these items in a family catalogue.

A spokesman for the Catholic Church said: ``It's very sad these sexual images which bombard our children every day now exist in this catalogue.''

The items are called massagers but the pictures show a penis-shaped vibrator.

Another item ensures the customer it's ``ready for action''. The next page has hair braiders for young girls.

Empire are also selling massage balls, described as ``2 for 1 vibration fun''.

A Church of Scotland spokesman last night called the firm ``irresponsible''. He added: ``These catalogues are aimed at the family.''

Empire Stores were unavailable for comment.