SCOTTISH modelling agencies are calling on Tennents to bring back their famous models on the sides of lager cans.

It would not only give models a higher profile, they claim, but would boost the company's sales.

Last night, as the firm said it had "not ruled out" bringing back the sexy can-side images, the former models called it "a great idea".

The pictorial cans were introduced in 1969 after a trial with Ann Johansen, now regarded as the first of the Tennent's can girls.

They were discontinued in 1992 when the company felt it needed new ideas. But they were the passport to fame for many girls and have been much lamented by male drinkers.

Lisa Anderson, director of the Anna Lisa modelling agency, said: "It would be great to bring them back. People no longer think models are exploited."