A TRADER who was kicked off his market stall for advertising "ex-British National Party jackboots worn in Burnley" has apologised and appealed for a second chance.

Iain Dobson was thrown off Morecambe's Festival Market after council officals spotted adverts which also claimed some boots had been worn in Oldham and Bradford which, like Burnley, were involved in racial disturbances.

Another hand-written sign being used to advertise the boots said: 'ex-British National Party going out for a pint boots'.

Shoppers complained to Lancaster City Council and action was taken immediately to revoke the trader's licence. The council also informed the police.

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.

He has apologised for advertising the boots as 'BNP Boots' and has now asked for a chance to return to the popular market.

"I agree that the council had to take some sort of action.

"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."

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

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

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

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

"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."

A city council spokesman 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."