A man was banned from getting on a bus – because he was carrying a tin of paint.

Civil servant Ken Adams, 51, got his marching orders when trying to board the 5B after picking up a tin of white emulsion at Homebase in Old Shoreham Road, Hove.

He said: “I went to scan my travel card and the driver told me that I couldn’t come on. I thought he was joking but then he told me that it was company policy and made me get off.

“I’m not a hoodie with a can of spray paint. I was hardly about to get on and paint the bus.”

With no other option, Mr Adams had to walk two miles across Hove to his Adelaide Crescent home.

Following a complaint in writing, he received a refreshing email response from a sympathetic Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company worker.

The response said: “I am very sorry and you have my heartfelt apologies. They are not fun things to carry long distances and I hope you made it home safely.

“It is policy because tins of paint are usually heavy and if the bus braked suddenly then they can open quite easily and do damage to the bus. They also have a habit of popping open in direct sunlight.

“I know this is another ridiculous sign-of-the-times health and safety policy and not all our drivers adhere to this.”

Roger French, the managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said: “It is policy that no paint is allowed on buses – however, as always the final decision is at the discretion of the driver.”