A CHARITY representative is furious that he has been forced to move a table-top sale because of an ancient law.

Peter Beaty, chairman of the Durham branch of Help The Aged, had arranged the fundraising event at the Iron Horse pub car park, Newton Aycliffe, today.

But after learning of the event, officials at Darlington Borough Council said because it was within six and two-third miles of the town's market site, Mr Beaty would have to pay a £25 licensing fee.

Mr Beaty said: "I'm very angry.

"If I was doing this for my own gain I would have said 'no problem', but this is not money in my pocket.

"My sole purpose in life is to raise money for senior citizens within this county and they are taking money from them."

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said the law dated from medieval times and was based on the distance a horse and cart was capable of travelling in one day.

She said that although the sale was for Help The Aged, individual stallholders were there to make a profit. Officers had helped to find an alternative location outside of the radius.

She said: "We have tried to help Mr Beaty, but a vibrant market is important for Darlington and we have this legislation to encourage and protect our own market."

The sale will now take place at the Horndale Club car park, Byerley Park, between 10am and 1pm.