A LAST supper will take place next month to raise funds for a North-East market trader facing prosecution for refusing to convert to Euro-approved metric measurements.

Steven Thoburn, 36, goes before Sunderland Magistrates' Court on January 15, for continuing to trade using traditional pounds and ounces at his market stall in the city's Southwick area.

Mr Thoburn, the first British trader to be prosecuted under regulations which came into effect on January 1 this year, denies two charges under the 1985 Weights and Measures Act.

Police and local authority trading standards officers raided his stall in July and confiscated his imperial scales.

Sunderland City Council said the father-of-two had failed to comply with a notice issued by its officers to covert to metric measures.

Mr Thoburn faces a three-day trial and could be landed with a £5,000 fine and criminal record if found guilty.

He argues that 1994 Units of Metrification Regulations, intended to make Britain comply with EU directives on metrification, cannot overrule a primary legislation of an Act of Parliament.

The fundraising dinner and auction will take place at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, on January 13.

It has been organised by the British Weights and Measures Association and Mr Thoburn's fellow market trader, Neil Herron.

Mr Thoburn's defence is being funded by the people, and thousands of supporters have donated money.

An independent opinion poll of 1,000 people by ICM Research, showed 91 per cent of those surveyed did not believe he should be prosecuted.

Tickets are available for the dinner by contacting 0191-522 6308 or 0131-556 6080