A council worker was given a ticking off after parking his Land Rover on double yellow lines just metres away from spaces on the seafront.

The Foreshore Services vehicle was seen mounting the pavement in Central Parade, Herne Bay, as the driver answered his mobile phone.

Former councillor Vince McMahan, 53, of Plough Court, Broomfield, took the picture.

He said: “Is that a good example to set when receiving a call, especially in a big 4x4 vehicle?

“He was obstructing the path and the entrance to the Wetherspoons, restricting access for pedestrians.

“Council officers have numerous points where they can park. Why did he not choose one of those?”

Foreshore manager Matthew Young said: “A member of our seasonal staff stopped in what he thought was a safe place to take an urgent work call while on duty.

“It is obviously very regrettable that this was on double yellow lines and had a parking attendant been present he would have been asked to move on.

“The member of staff has been reminded that this is not good practice.”