A tricycle-riding ice cream seller has won his fight to sell on a seafront promenade after he was frozen out because of a cycling ban.

Paul Fuller will bring a taste of nostalgia to Littlehampton this summer by selling day-trippers ice cream cornets from his hand-built bike.

His proposals were initially met with a cold response from Arun District Council who said seafront bylaws banned cycles from the promenade.

The move was condemned by Littlehampton councillor Mark Butler, who said: "I don't think I have heard a more ridiculous decision since I have been a councillor."

However, the council has thawed its stance after Mr Fuller agreed to simply push the "stop me and buy one" bike along the prom.

Mr Fuller, who runs Patchingbased firm Business on Wheels, has been given a trial period this summer.

He said: "I was really surprised when they said no. The bikes really add some character to the seafront and everyone smiles when they see them.

"I said I would just push the bike, and they hardly pick up much speed at any rate.

"I'm pleased they have changed their minds because Littlehampton is our local beach.

"We sell the trikes all over the country so it seemed a shame not to be able to use one on our doorstep."

Other Sussex towns, including Worthing, allow the ice cream bikes despite seafront cycling bans.

Business on Wheels specialises in making the traditional machines, which are sold to resorts not only in Britain but throughout Europe.

Colin Rogers, Arun's director of services, called for the review of the council's decision.

He said: "We have agreed to offer Mr Fuller a trial period over the summer.

The bylaws are still in place so he cannot ride the trike but can push it between certain spots.

"I certainly think this is a good idea on a trial basis.

"We try to introduce new concessions that add interest and variety to Arun's seafronts.

"We will see how he gets on and what the public reaction to him is before deciding on anything more permanent."

The first ice cream bicycles were used by Walls in London in about 1923 but became more popular in the 1950s.

Cecil Rodd, of Wall's, came up with the slogan "Stop Me and Buy One"

after his experience with doorstep selling.