A couple's Easter was spoiled by a 40-ton juggernaut parked outside their home.

Jan Majtas, 82, and his wife, Maria, 68, were surprised when they came back from shopping and found the container lorry parked just feet from their front door, blocking the light.

When it was still there after a couple of days they phoned police, who said there was nothing they could do and as it was not infringing any parking restrictions or causing an obstruction.

Mr Majtas, of Nevill Road, Hove, a retired keyboard operator who worked at The Argus for many years, said: "You don't expect to come home and find a gigantic lorry outside your house.

"The driver obviously had difficulty in parking as he took several branches off the trees as he parked next to the kerb.

"At first we thought the driver must have stopped for a sleep as all the curtains in the cab were drawn but when the lorry did not move for 48 hours we got worried and tried to find out why it was there.

"You don't mind a lorry outside your house over-night but for a week it is a bit much.

"When we phoned the police they said they had no record of the vehicle and could do nothing because it was not infringing any parking regulations.

"It is very annoying because we have not been able to park outside our house over Easter and it has spoilt our holiday."

The Argus contacted the vehicle operators, Standard Freight Forwarders, at their offices in Fulham, west London, who explained why the vehicle had been parked outside the Majtas' home for a week.

Spokesman Ronald Attwell said: "The lorry was on its way to London when the driver had gearbox problems.

"We told the Iranian driver to try and park somewhere safe.

"He said he had relations in Hove so we told him to try and make for Hove and stay there until the vehicle could be repaired.

"We are waiting for spare parts to arrive.

"We have taken advice from the police and they know about the situation.

"The lorry's load does not have to be delivered until this week so the lorry will remain where the driver can keep an eye on it.

"We are sorry if it is angering residents but until it is repaired it cannot be moved."