THE owner of a sex shop still faces prosecution - despite removing an unconventional advertisement from the A1.

John Middleton parked a caravan on land he owns on the southbound side of the dual carriageway in October last year, with the word "massage" in 12in red letters emblazoned on the side.

Beneath were his telephone number and website address.

Hambleton District Council began legal proceedings after complaints the hoarding could distract drivers passing Baldersby, in North Yorkshire.

The case was to be heard in Richmond on Monday but magistrates agreed to an adjournment when they were informed Mr Middleton intended to plead not guilty. A full hearing has been rescheduled for June 15.

Meanwhile, the caravan has disappeared - and replaced by a 10ft sandwich board, advertising an escort agency on one side and Mr Middleton's sex shop in Darlington on the other.

"Mr Middleton still faces prosecution as we believe an offence was committed between October and this weekend when the caravan disappear-ed," said council spokeswoman Sue Dodson.

Yesterday, Mr Middleton confirmed he intended to deny any charges brought against him.

"I want to know why they are not pursuing similar actions against everyone else with advertisements next to the road - including farmers," he said