British Bulldog is the last remaining firm in Brighton and Hove that sends ice-cream vans to estates and roads outside parks.

But if Brighton and Hove Council has its way, the cheerful sound of ice-cream chimes will soon be heard no more.

The council wants to charge British Bulldog £3,500 a year in fees because it says the enterprise falls into the category of street trading. But boss Sean Kempin, showing true bulldog spirit, is taking the case to the High Court.

It may seem rather old fashioned in these days of freezers and supermarket ice-cream to be buying cornets from a van.

But the ice-cream vans are a traditional part of Brighton and Hove, which should be encouraged rather than penalised.

If Mr Kempin wins his case, it will be a victory for the little man over bureaucracy. If the councils wins, it might at least consider reducing the fee so that he can keep trading.