A SEX shop owner is planning to open a lap-dancing club in North Yorkshire.

John Middleton says he has pinpointed at least three possible locations in the county for a members-only club.

Mr Middleton is being prosecuted over a caravan near Thirsk which he uses to advertise a web site and his Pleasure Zone shop in Darlington, which sells sex toys and lingerie.

Hambleton District Council has begun court proceedings. It claims the caravan, on land next to the A1, represents unauthorised advertising.

The authority has refused Mr Middleton consent to build on the four-acre plot of land where the caravan is parked.

Mr Middleton, who has previously been refused permission by local JobCentres to advertise for masseurs, said: "The plan for a lap-dancing club on that particular site has been abandoned.

"But in due course I will be looking at other locations so it is still definitely on the cards.

"I have researched this subject in America and I believe there is a market in North Yorkshire for lap-dancing."

The proposed club would include a massage room, bar and restaurant.

Ian Bainbridge, of the Christian Institute campaign group, said: "The fact that there is demand for this type of facility does not mean it is right."