A painter and decorator has been fined for smoking in his own van - because it is classed as his work place. Gordon Williams, 58, who had finished work for the day and was on his way to the shops, was fined £30.

The grandad, of Llanafan, near Aberystwyth, Mid Wales, believes his ticket is the first of its kind issued by Ceredigion Council - the penalty notice was number 0001.

A rather be miffed Mr Williams was told that because his van is also his place of work he had broken the smoking laws. Yet he insists "The van is only insured for private use and to get me to and from work. It's not my place of work - I decorate houses not vans.”

Gordon, who smokes ten a day, is planning to appeal even though wife Sue, 56, has already paid the fine. Ceredigion Council refused to comment specifically on the case but said: "The ban affects public premises including workplaces and work vehicles."

What is quite worrying here is who caught Gordon having a sneaky fag? Was some official from Ceredigion council put on ‘special duties’ to smoke out culprits flouting this law? Did this person have to sit and wait for an offender? Then comes the question of how did he spot and fine Mr Williams. I hope a high-speed pursuit was not the order of the day.

Talk about Big Brother

Jackie Violet – Female First