A fabric salesmen is stitching up energetic traffic wardens - by parking in his showroom.

David Warburton lost his rag after being slapped with one too many tickets.

Now, every morning, Mr Warburton drives his W-reg Mercedes into the former car showroom in George Street, Kemp Town, Brighton, and hides it beneath a piece of cloth.

The silver sports car, once owned by former Radio 2 star Derek Jameson, has attracted curiosity from shoppers as it peeps out from under the fabric.

Mr Warburton, 63, said: "In the old days there was a loading bay outside the shop where I used to park and nobody seemed to be bothered.

"Now they've put a single white line down the street and the wardens are pretty vicious.

"They will get you every time.

"I still have a ticket outstanding which has already shot up from £30 to £60 and now they are threatening court action.

"But I really don't want to pay. It's the principle.

"I would rather give the money to my mum.

"My customers are amused by the car.

"At first most think it is some kind of bed but on closer inspection realise what it is.

"But what am I supposed to do? Everywhere in Brighton has restricted parking these days.

"It has become an absolute nightmare."

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "There is free parking on the seafront, about five minutes walk away, and a number of short-term parking bays off St James's Street.

"But George Street itself is very narrow and if everyone wanted to park a Mercedes there it would get clogged up very quickly."