London transport chiefs have banned an advert which suggested gay people could be cured.

The campaign, mimicking an initiative by pro-gay group Stonewall, claimed therapy could change sexual orientation and was due to run on London buses from next week.

But Transport for London (TfL) on Thursday night confirmed the adverts had been scrapped after an outcry.

A spokeswoman said: "The adverts are not currently running on any London buses and they will not do so."

The adverts were reportedly booked for two weeks by the Christian group Core Issues to display on vehicles running on five routes in the capital, including top tourist destinations such as St Paul's Cathedral, Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.

The posters, backed by Anglican Mainstream, stated: 'Not gay! Post-gay, ex-gay and proud. Get over it!' and were believed to refer to Stonewall's recent campaign which ran adverts saying: 'Some people are gay. Get over it'.

It is understood London Mayor Boris Johnson, who is up for re-election next month, personally intervened in the row.

He was described as being "very strongly of the view that the Core Issues' advert shouldn't run".

But the group's co-director Mike Davidson told the Press Association: "I didn't realise censorship was in place.

"We went through the correct channels and we were encouraged by the bus company to go through their procedures.

"They okayed it and now it has been pulled.

"I would be interested to know on what basis they have done that.

"It is of deep concern that there can only be one point of view and that is the point of view of individuals who are determined to push through gay marriage and apparently believe that homosexuality cannot be altered in any possible way.

"That is not a universally held view. This is a disturbing development and is is disappointing the UK finds itself in this position."

What do you think? Vote in our poll below: