'Give my parking fine to charity'

David Gould, of South Cliff, arrived at the De La Warr car park just after midday with his grandchildren to watch the dip, which was held in aid of the hospice. He explained: "I, along with several other people, went to the machine adjacent to the zebra crossing but it was not working, nor was there any notice on it regarding the reason for its failure.

"As the swim was starting we walked to the shore, watched the swim, and contributed to the worthy cause."

"I returned to the car a maximum of 20 minutes later, probably less, and found a ticket on my windscreen. I saw the warden writing tickets on other cars at the east end of the car park. I informed him the machine was not working and it was a charity swim but he said it was not his concern.

"It is more than obvious the area in question was targeted while the swim was on to maximise revenue."

Mr Gould dutifully sent his full fine of 40 to the district council, but made the cheque out to St Michael's Hospice. He says in the circumstances Rother should pass the cheque on to demonstrate they care about local charities.

A Rother spokesman said Mr Gould's letter to them had not yet been processed.

He went on: "All I can tell you at this point is that a number of tickets were issued at the De La Warr because cars had parked there without complying with the regulations.

"There are three machines and the officer that was there at the time says he checked them all and they were all working"

Mr Gould said he would be prepared to pay the fine if the district council decides not to pass the 40 cheque on to the hospice.