NICOLA Sturgeon was among those to criticise footwear firm Clarks after it sparked a sexism row over the names it gave to children’s shoe ranges.

The girls’ range was called Dolly Babe and a boys’ line Leader.

Clarks has apologised for any offence caused.

The Dolly Babe range, featuring a heart print detail, has been withdrawn from the website and the firm said it is removing the name from in-store products.

The Leader footwear, which carries a football image, remains on sale online in the boys’ school shoes section.

The First Minister tweeted: “It is almost beyond belief that in 2017 a major company could think this is in any way acceptable. Shows what we are still up against.”

Clarks said in a statement the Dolly Babe range is “an old and discontinued line, with only remaining stock being sold through stores”.

It said it had removed the shoe from sale online after “customer feedback regarding the name” and added it is working to remove the name from remaining stock in shops.

It added: “We are working hard to ensure our ranges reflect our gender neutral ethos and we apologise for any unintended offence caused.”