Ananova:

Smoker Robin Brown has been fined £50 - for dropping a matchstick.

The salesman, 47, flicked it out of his car window after lighting a fag on his way to recycle grass cuttings at the tip, reports The Sun.

He was spotted by a council warden who posted the fixed penalty notice.

Furious Robin said: "It's ridiculous. It is such a trivial thing I can't even remember whether I did it or not."

"It was a tiny piece of wood which is biodegradable. It's so small I am amazed this council jobsworth even spotted it.

"Surely they must have better things to do with their time."

Robin, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, added: "I always make a big effort to recycle. To be hit with a fine for this makes me furious.

"But I suppose I'll have to pay up. I would love not to but the council will bring in the lawyers at taxpayers' expense. I wouldn't stand a chance."

Tameside Council said: "We take the issue of litter very seriously and will not hesitate to issue fixed penalty notices for offences.

"We expect an increase in litter from outdoor smoking after July 1, and hope smokers dispose of it responsibly."