Madrid- The "human ads" that have become one of the colourful features of Madrid will continue strolling in the Spanish capital, press reports said Thursday.

Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon cancelled a planned ban on the ads after it sparked widespread protests.

An estimated 30 people walk around, mainly near the central Puerta del Sol square, wearing placards on their chests and backs.

The placards advertise pawn shops, with the text "I buy gold," tattoo shops, and the like.

Using humans as advertising supports violated their "dignity," Ruiz-Gallardon said, but the people working as ads said they preferred having such jobs to not having any.

The regional authorities also complained about the ban, accusing the city council of violating free market rules. (dpa)