A charity fund-raiser fell foul of the law by putting

up huge signs for a show without permission.

Robert Blass went around Brighton placing banners advertising The Martlets Hospice Musical Spectacular all over the city centre.

But as soon as a sign went up it was taken down by council enforcement officers who spotted that they were not legal.

Mr Blass has appealed to have the confiscated banners, which cost £150 each, returned.

He said: "They are sturdy signs and installed firmly with wire. It would take quite a lot of effort and unpicking to get them down.

"I have been careful where I've put them and I'm not trying to endanger traffic. The problem is that the signs have gone but I'm not getting them back.

"A lot of organisations have paid for them through sponsorship. We really need to advertise the event as much as possible."

Brighton and Hove City Council said its rules regarding advertisements were there to ensure public safety.

A council spokesman said: "Anyone wishing to place signs around the city must seek permission from the council. This is granted with conditions to ensure safety.

"Unauthorised signs may obstruct other signs, block drivers' views, cause obstructions to pedestrians or damage street furniture.

"If signs are to be placed for a longer period of time then the AA and RAC must be contacted.

"We are under obligation to remove any unauthorised signs.

"They are being stored at the Cityclean depot in Hollingdean. If he calls in he can pick them up and we will advise him on how they should be displayed.

"We hope that the Martlets Hospice Musical Spectacular is a resounding success."

More than 200 performers are taking part in the event at the Brighton Dome on November 13.

In total more than 300 people are involved in making sure the event is a success. All proceeds will go to The Martlets in Hove.

The first spectacular last year raised more than £40,000 and organisers are hoping to top that.

Theatre groups from across Sussex will be performing songs and excerpts from musicals and will include the Starlite Theatre Company, the Shine Theatre Company, the Adele Academy, the Southwick Players, the Brighton Theatre Group and First Night.

Tickets range from £12.50 to £35. For more details, call the box office on 01273 709709.