A TAXI driver wept in court yesterday as his battle against red tape ended in victory.

Cabbie George Jenkinson took on town hall bureaucrats after they ruled his red car was not red enough. Yesterday, magistrates found against Darlington Borough Council.

In a two-day hearing, Bishop Auckland magistrates were told how regulations brought in by the council in 2000 meant that cars which were not bright red would not be granted licences.

Drivers already holding licences would be able to carry on trading if their taxis were not the correct colour until the vehicle was sold - but they would not be able to advertise on their cars.

When Mr Jenkinsonput advertising on his Fiat Multipla, his licence was suspended.

Cabbies from the town gave up two days work as a show of support to Mr Jenkinson, lining up their taxis - in different shades of red - outside the court.

Ruling that Mr Jenkinson was entitled to advertise on his cab, chairman of the bench Colin Beadle said: "In our view all that is required is that the vehicle is red and ordinary members of the public can distinguish the difference between a Hackney Carriage and a Private Hire vehicle."

Afterwards, Mr Jenkinson, 55, of Minors Crescent, Darlington, said the affair had been a waste of taxpayers' money.

His solicitor, Ken Wiper, said: "George has not just brought this case for himself but on behalf of many others who have suffered at the hands of what has been absolutely unfair system."

Darlington Borough Council declined to comment.