THE Morecambe market trader forced off his stall by the city council has launched an appeal.

Iain Dobson has apologised for advertising steel toe-capped shoes as 'BNP boots' and is asking for the chance to return to the Festival Market.

"I agree that the council had to take some sort of action," said Mr Dobson this week: "But I do feel as though the action they have taken is more severe than the alleged crime. I just think they have used a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

Mr Dobson said the sign, which made reference to BNP riots in Oldham, Bradford and Burnley, was one of a number of 'funny' advertising notes.

Others made reference to 'Anne Widdecombe slippers' ('Never become Tory leader but comfy, in blue only') and 'as worn by Nelly Smith from Barnsley.'

"With me having no political aspirations, it was a boot that I thought the party might wear. I didn't give it any thought," said Mr Dobson.

"I'm feeling great remorse and and sorrow and if I have caused anybody the slightest bit of upset or trauma I sincerely apologise."

Mr Dobson has had an unblemished record in 10 years of working on the markets locally, and says he has had nothing but support from customers and fellow traders.

"I'm known for having a very sharp sense of humour. They call me the happy shoe man... but not at this time.

"I've had support from friends, colleagues and members of the public. I've had a very positive response.

"They find my signs and notes very, very funny and humorous, but on this occasion I have made a mistake. I'm not just saying that, it's a fact," he admitted.

Mr Dobson has had letters of support from members of the public and market colleagues, including some from members of ethnic minorities.

A city council spokesperson said: "Lancaster City Council is committed to the equal treatment of people who use its services and, as such, to eliminating unlawful racial discrimination in our services.

"In the event of such activity we have a duty to employ the measures necessary to redress such discrimination.

"It is with regret that Lancaster City Council has had to terminate the trader's licence.

"However we consider that the trader's actions and the seriously offensive nature of the materials displayed left us with no alternative.'