Two UKIP activists were caught napping - illegally parked on double yellow lines.

The pair took a snooze as they went out campaigning in Strood, where UKIP MP Mark Reckless faces a Tory challenge.

They were photographed by Erica Jones, 35, who found them parked by a busy bridge over the River Medway on Saturday afternoon.

Disgusted Erica, of Tunbridge Wells, said: "I was taking pictures of the bridge and river and then I saw it and thought it was a bit cheeky.

"I looked through the windows and they were asleep in their respective vans.

"I couldn't believe it - most people I know would be shocked.

"I have friends in the area who think it's unacceptable as parking is tight there but there are plenty of car parks which are cheap."

Erica uploaded the photo to her Twitter account and said: "Good to see #UKIP respecting traffic regulations in Strood #DoubleYellowLines"

Medway Council said the dozy pair escaped a ticket.

"I would advise our van drivers to keep moving along major public highways and obey parking regulations" - Mark Reckless

A spokeswoman said: "When a Civil Enforcement Officer in uniform detects a parking convention they would issue a parking ticket.

"This cannot be done retrospectively as the officer must witness the issue in progress."

Mark Reckless became UKIP's second MP when he won the Strood and Rochester seat last November.

The candidate, said: "I would advise our van drivers to keep moving along major public highways and obey parking regulations.