A SEX shop manager has denied his trade is to blame for X-rated videos finding their way into family homes.

Matthew Smith who runs Hidden Assets' on Millbrook Road West defended the industry on a day when four shops across the city were given the thumbs up to operate for another year.

And he questioned the logic of two letters opposing the renewal of his license, which claimed his store was too close to schools and houses.

He told a meeting of Southampton City Council's licensing sub committee yesterday: "That is not our problem - we are licensed and do everything by the book. To say that we have some kind of input in children watching this is not something which should be pointed in our direction.

"It is down to parental control in the home. We are allowed to sell it and we are licensed."

Shops in St Mary Street, Above Bar and Millbrook Road West all saw their licenses renewed by Southampton City Council's licensing committee yesterday It means they can continue to sell items such as explicit videos, DVDs and magazines for another year subject to a number of strict conditions.

Mr Smith, whose shop has been licensed since 2003, added: "We are never going to be able to keep everybody happy but we have kept to the original conditions placed on us. We kept our side of the bargain. Certain people are not going to be happy just because there is something in the locality."

License Renewals were granted for the following establishments; Darker Enterprises on Above Bar, Hidden Desires on St Mary Street, Hidden Assets and A Taste Of Amsterdam both on Millbrook Road West.