A major bank has defended asking a campaign group to remove posters stuck to the wall of one of its branches during a fundraising appeal for victims of the Burmese cyclone.

Members of the Oxford Burma Solidarity Group stuck three posters to the wall of HSBC's branch in Cornmarket last Saturday as they set up a table outside the bank.

They handed out leaflets raising awareness about the military regime in Burma as they raised cash for the thousands hit by the devastating cyclone.

OBSG spokesman Alessandra Pigni told the Oxford Mail the group had not been harassing passers-by or shaking donation boxes - but nevertheless a member of staff at the bank told them to remove the posters they had taped up.

She explained: "We made very basic handmade signs advertising the appeal.

"Somebody from the bank came out and took down one of the posters because he said he didn't know if his company supported our campaign.

"We were engaging with people and it was peaceful. The focus of the day was the cyclone and that was very clear to people who stopped and gave money.

"People who were passing by were outraged and told us not to take down the signs down. It was unacceptable."

She also claimed HSBC supported and conducted business with the Burmese regime - a claim denied by the bank.

HSBC spokesman Tim Pie said staff at the Oxford branch were very surprised a complaint had been made about what happened.

He said the campaign group had not been harassing customers and been very friendly.

Mr Pie added: "We are a non-political organisation. We have already made a £35,000 donation to the cyclone appeal and are currently match-funding customer donations up to £1.5m.

"We absolutely support the right of people demonstrate. It was just a matter of keeping the shop front windows clear.

"We meant no offence and are a little disappointed the group has gone to the press."