A GOOD Samaritan was slapped with a parking ticket while delivering hampers to a sanctuary for abused women.

Charity worker Roger Hetherington had parked outside Women's Aid, Cardwell Place, Blackburn, to distribute the 21 food hampers.

But after parking up in the on-street pay and display area, a traffic warden approached and wrote out a ticket which could cost as much as £60.

The hampers were delivered by Liverpool charity K.I.N.D, but Women's Aid has said it will bear any cost incurred.

The refuge is to appeal to Blackburn with Darwen Council to write off the ticket.

Lesley Wharton, floating support co-ordinator at the refuge, said: "We just want it scrubbed. We have been fighting for funding this year as it is so we don't want to have to find money to pay parking tickets.

"Other times there are vehicles outside the traffic warden will bang on our window and ask if it belongs to us because some women will park outside.

"Unfortunately that didn't happen this time."

K.I.N.D, a children's charity set up in 1975, delivers hampers to the refuge each year.

Founder Stephen Yip said: "Hopefully the council will waive it. We parked without a ticket but it was only for 10 minutes so I suppose it is a sign of the times."

The ticket will cost £30 if paid within 14 days. After that it will cost £60.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at the council, said: "The hire van was observed for five minutes with no evidence of loading or unloading so a penalty charge notice was issued.

"If the driver of the van feels there are circumstances that need to be considered then I would encourage them to appeal against the charge by writing to parking services.

"If any company or individual using a vehicle feel their circumstances are such that they would be allowed to park in a restricted area for longer than the normally permitted period, they should seek clarification from parking services prior to parking."

Mrs Wharton said: "They are beautiful hampers. A lot of women we see are in receipt of benefits so they really appreciate them."