An elderly man was allegedly slapped with a £75 on-the-spot fine for littering after his poppy reportedly fell off his lapel as he walked though Maidstone.

The pensioner was approached by council enforcement officers as he walked in Week Street, it claimed.

The man, who is in his 70s, was unaware the poppy had dropped off until the officials stopped him. He claimed he had offered to pick it up but he told it was too late - the fine still stood.

Maidstone council has strongly denied the claims.

The man told his story to staff at Head and Hart Jewellers in King Street, who have publicly raised concerns about the apparent over-zealous activities of the officers in targeting smokers dropping cigarette butts.

Shop owner Debbie Marshall said: "It's disgusting, not only because it's easy to drop a poppy, but because the elderly gentleman offered to pick it up."

The council introduced on the spot fines in July this year and are taking a zero-tolerance approach to people dropping litter in the town.

Since then the fines have netted the council £92,000.

Do you know the elderly man concerned? Call the newsroom on 01622 695666 or email mailto:lcox@thekmgroup.co.uk