Peter Ellis, who faces prosecution for selling fish in pounds and ounces, has challenged trading standards officers to fight it out in a high-profile court case.

The fish merchant has been inundated with letters and messages of support since his fight to keep imperial measures was featured in the Argus. Mr Ellis, 54, director of Network Seafoods at Newhaven, one of the main fish wholesalers in Sussex, says he is ready for a court challenge to test the law.

"I don't want to keep replying to threatening letters from trading standards officers saying I am being a naughty boy. Let us cut short this pointless exercise. Serve me with an infringement notice and let's fight this out."

Mr Ellis has seen an improvement in trade since he started defying the law laid down in Brussels. He has also received the support of the UK Independence Party. The political party says it will provide a barrister to fight what could be the first test case.

Mr Ellis faces a maximum fine of £2,000 or could even be jailed for persistent law-breaking. Mr Ellis has already received one letter from East Sussex County Council's Trading Standards Office.

Trading standards officer Roger Wankling said: "The letter was one of advice. It was not a threat of prosecution. We are currently considering our next step in relation to Mr Ellis."

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