A burger van may be forced to shut down after a row erupted over who owns the motorway layby it sits in.

Tony Jackson has been running the popular Vanburger trailer in a layby on the A26 for more than seven years.

In that time the business has gone from strength to strength, offering everything from burgers to breakfasts and salads to passing motorists and nearby workers.

Mr Jackson says he has transformed the woodland site, in South Heighton, near Seaford, which was once a haven for fly-tippers.

The 55-year-old has also built a shack on the land facing the trailer's hatch for customers to sit down.

Also known as Van's Bacon Crematorium, it has become one of the most popular places to eat breakfast in the area.

But now Mr Jackson faces a battle to keep his livelihood after Glynde Estates made claim to the land and sent him a letter telling him to move on.

He said: "This is not just an ordinary food trailer, it is a bit quirky and eccentric and something original. I have hundreds of regular customers and the van is a part of the community.

"The land was used for fly-tipping before I set up here. I made inquiries at the land registry and nothing showed up for any owner having claim on the site.

"I have made a small cabin which Lewes District Council are aware of and I have a log burner and some seating for all day breakfasts. I am not a greedy man and I love my job, I just want to be left alone.

"Glynde Estates told me I have to leave but I am refusing. They haven't even proved they own the plot. They don't even want to do anything with the land, so I have no idea why they would want to force me out of business."

Mr Jackson's customers are up in arms over the news and have labelled Glynde Estates a "disgrace".

Graham Simpson, 54, from Seaford, said: "I come here every day for breakfast and it's so good I would bring my mother here. The food is top notch and I think it adds to the area, it's really different.

"Tony is genuine bloke and even gives some of the workers credit if they can't afford their breakfast. I think it's a disgrace that Glynde Estates are trying to turf him out. It shouldn't be allowed."

A spokeswoman for Lewes District Council confirmed Vanburger had glowing reports from the Environmental Health Officer regarding the preparation, storage, and cleanliness of the food and premises.

She said: "We have also looked into who owns the land but we can't find any records. We know the Highways Agency are fully aware of Mr Jackson's van and have no problem with it.

"As far as we are concerned it would be down to Glynde Estates to prove they own the land."

Glynde Estates refused to comment.