The Universe, which claims a readership of 200,000 Catholics, ran the front-page headline "Don't Shop at Boots" after hearing that the company's Glasgow store is to issue free contraceptives at a family planning clinic for young people.

The centre will have no lower age limit or need for parental consent.

A front-page editorial described Boots' actions as "promoting promiscuity and a blatant exploitation of some of the most vulnerable people in society".

Its editor Joe Kelly said: "If young people see sex and pregnancy as just a matter of a quick fix over the counter that has far-reaching consequences.

"We're not seeking to impose Catholic values, we are just asking Boots to think carefully about the social consequences of what for them is clearly just a money-making exercise."

He said the plan had been attacked by Cardinal Thomas Winning from Glasgow, who had described it as "absolutely disgraceful and totally unacceptable".

'Respect for young'

Anti-abortion charity Life has also called for a boycott of Boots and accused the store of promoting promiscuity among under-16s.

The clinic, which is due to open this week, is a joint venture between Boots and the Greater Glasgow Community and Mental Health NHS Trust.

A spokeswoman from Boots said the clinic will still go ahead.

She said: "It's actually a Glasgow NHS Trust clinic rather than a Boots one.

"The Boots store in Glasgow will continue to support the Glasgow NHS Trust clinic by providing a location for them to take place."

The Family Planning Association said it supported the idea of a contraceptive service that is more accessible to young people.

Chief executive of FPA UK, Anne Weyman, said: "Boots are to be commended for their spirit of pragmatism and respect for young people. We would like to see similar initiatives across the UK."