An internet seller offering pebbles taken from Brighton beach has been warned the activity is illegal.
The entrepreneur, using the name Chantelle, is offering the stones to Americans for a starting price of ten cents on the internet auction site eBay.
Chantelle said people were bidding for a piece of Brighton beach.
She described her auction lot as "a selection of rocks from the pebble beach underneath Brighton Pier.
"They all have 'Brighton Rock' written on them and make a great conversation piece or just a decoration.
"Please note you are not bidding for a plot of land - you are bidding for pebbles from the beach."
Brighton and Hove City Council has reacted angrily to the sale.
A spokeswoman said: "It is illegal to remove pebbles from the beach. Our shingle beach plays an important part in protecting our coastline.
"The pebbles are the first line of defence against the strength of the waves. If they are taken away, eventually the infrastructure on the lower promenade would be worn away, putting the seafront at risk of flooding."
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