HEYSHAM villagers had another chance to give their views on the village's long-running car boot sale row this week - and they were caught on camera doing so!

So annoyed were the organisers of the sales about accusations that their last petition included 'fake' signatures that they plan to photograph everyone who sign the current one in a bid to prove that they exist.

Jim Stones, Gus Cochrane and Tony Smart took to the village's car parks on Tuesday and Wednesday, and they were due to return there on Thursday in a bid to show the demand for the popular event.

The city council has given its consent in principle to the boot sales returning, but is billing the organisers - who hope to raise money for charity - £400 for each day.

"The chances are we'll only take £240," said Jim Stones: "We have told the council lots and lots of times that we are doing this to raise money for good causes, but chances are that we won't cover our expenses.

"They are asking for money in advance, with no come-back, so if the event is cancelled we lose the money.

That is in addition to the bye-laws you have got which prevent us from putting up tents or marquees"

Mr Stones and his colleagues are also investigating the ownership of the field.

They say a visit to the land registry revealed that most of the land is unregistered, and they have asked for clarification.

A previous petition, with more than 200 names, was sent to he village's neighbourhood council, demanding that the popular sales, which have raised money for local charities for several years, are re-instated.

The organisers have promised to minimise disruption caused by early starts, litter and noise.

A council spokesman said: "Each application is judged on its merits.

If it is a commercial operation, they're charged £ 400.

"In the case of a charitable event, if it meets the strict criteria, it will go before cabinet who will have to approve it if a discounted rate is to be given."