Bone idle council workmen painted double yellow lines on either side of a parked car rather than wait for the owner to turn up.

Regulars at a social club thought they'd had a few too many when they spotted the gaff.

But the gap in the lines was proof that the parked Rover had been too great an obstacle for the Newcastle Council workers.

The comedy scene sparked raucous laughter with the drinkers at Gosforth and District Social Club in Newcastle who said it should be recorded as a major council blunder.

John Coppinger, 59, secretary of the club, said: "We couldn't believe our eyes. We thought it was something from Candid Camera.

"The police put cones on the road in the morning warning people not to park there but a car had been left there overnight and was in the way.

"Council workers came along with their big machine - lights flashing. They started their double yellow lines at one end.

"They continued until they realised the car was in the way - so they just missed that bit out, stopped the lines, and then got the machine going again and started them up in front of the car.

"Now we have the comical scene of the road with double yellows with a space in the middle. It's hilarious."

The road has suffered from congestion and especially since work on the New Northern Rock building has been in progress, says John.

He added: "About two weeks ago the road was so bad that the dray couldn't get in to the club, busses were at a halt, there was such a traffic jam.

"I called the police to ask them to do something about it and then we looked out in the morning and saw yellow lines were to be laid.

"We all thought that was great, but when we saw the gap they had left because the car was in the way - the whole thing became farcical."

Now locals are wondering whether the council workers will be back to complete the job.

Northumbria police spokesman said: "We have been working closely with Newcastle City Council and Northern Rock following concerns over parking in the area.

Double yellow lines form part of a strategy to alleviate problems in this area."