The Top 10 most complained about ads of 2009

A poster pronouncing 'There definitely is a God' was the most complained about ad in 2009.

Last year, there was a 10% drop in the number of ads complained about, despite the ASA receiving a 9.6% increase in complaints to 28,978.

The vast majority (90%) of complaints were made through the ASA's online form and the association claims the average time to resolve a complaint was just 13 days.

ASA chairman, Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury, said: "This has been a turbulent and busy year for us. The ASA... have now been the one-stop shop for the regulation of advertising across all media for more than five years."

The advertising body is nearly 50 years old and its annual report highlights the work of ASA and CAP during 2009, and how the two organisations work together to create a regulatory system that remains current and proactive.

If you can't see a gallery of the ads click here

Top 10 most complained about ads

1. The Christian Party: 'There definitely is a God'

    (1.204 complaints. Not investigated)

2. Volkswagen: 'Sometimes the only one you have to beat is yourself'

    (1,070 complaints. Part upheld)

3. Home Pride: 'So easy, even a man can do it'

    (804 complaints. Not upheld)

4. Advanced Medical Institute: 'Want longer lasting sex?'

    (525 complaints. Upheld)

5. Israeli Government Tourist Office: Experience Israel
     [featuring a map of the West Bank and Gaza Strip]

    (445 complaints. Upheld)

6. British Humanist Association: 'There's probably no God'

    (392 complaints. Not investigated)

7. Kellogg: featuring a man chasing a rogue shopping trolley with a baby inside, only to save  
     the box of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes

   (323 complaints. Not investigated)

8. Pfizer: Rat poison

   (312 complaints. Not investigated)

9. SC Johnson: 'Mummy, I want to poo at Paul's house'

   (292 complaints. Not investigated)

10. Department of Health: stroke awareness ad

   (242 complaints. Not investigated)

This article was first published on campaignlive.co.uk