A major health charity has said women will no longer be made to wear “revealing dress” at fundraising events held in its name.

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) was criticised after it was discovered that a company called Ultra Events has been using so-called “ring girls” at boxing bouts where cash is raised for the charity.

CRUK came under pressure following an investigation by Third Sector magazine, which said people were surprised and upset by women being employed this way.

Now the charity says women will no longer wear revealing clothes – but full evening dress instead.

The magazine said CRUK has been in discussion with Ultra Events, which stages the bouts.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of CRUK, said: "We have had a very open conversation with our partner, Ultra Events, about the role that ringside card-holders have at its events and are pleased that men and women will appear together at each event whenever possible.

"It’s updated us on its plans for ringside card-holders to wear evening dress in the next season of events, which begin in March."

She said the charity was grateful to everyone who had fundraised for CRUK through the boxing events.

This was confirmed by Ultra Events, which has raised more than £16 million for CRUK.