A MARKET trader has landed himself in hot water over a cheeky advert that targeted goods at robbers.

Police ordered Alan Rutherford to take down a sign on his stall that advertised his £2 balaclavas as 'ideal for banks, post offices and building societies.'

Officers from Durham Police warned Mr Rutherford to take down the sign from his stall at Stanley market after they received complaints from a member of the public.

Mr Rutherford, of Annfield Plain, near Stanley, said: "My brother used to have a post office and his son was held up with a shotgun pressed against his head and he can still see the funny side of the sign."

The sign has also been banned from markets in Chester-le-Street and Bar-nard Castle after similar complaints.

Mr Rutherford, who has run his stall for 13 years, said: "This is my style. All I am trying to do is cheer people up.

"Even the police were fine about it, but they have got to act on a complaint."

He has replaced the sign with one that states: "These are NOT ideal for banks or post offices - but are ideal for fishing and poaching."

Mr Rutherford said: "It still raises a few laughs, but not as many as the original."