Two motorists are facing hundreds of pounds in fines after parking in a Poole car park - despite having valid tickets for the times the penalties were issued.

Quinton Watts and Phil Ainsworth both received pen-alty-charge notices for Poole's Seldown car park. But even after challenging them, the fines stand.

Mr Watts, from Winton, was issued with a notice last October, and despite claiming to have provided the council with proof of payment, was visited by a bailiff demanding £206.28.

Mr Watts, 38, said: "I regret pursuing this - I should have just paid the £30 and forgotten about it. Instead I have paid in blood, sweat and tears."

He has now taken the matter to court.

"The best I can hope for is that the court will reduce all fees down to the initial parking fine," he said.

However, if he loses he would be required to pay legal costs and bailiff's fees, as well as the original parking charge.

Phil Ainsworth, of Boscombe, also received a penalty notice after parking in the Seldown car park.

He returned the notice to the council, along with the original pay-and-display ticket in an attempt to contest the charge, but received no reply.

Mr Ainsworth, 30, was informed by Borough of Poole that the charge would still stand because he had not included a cover letter detailing his dispute.

He said: "I can't believe that even after sending them the ticket they wouldn't accept my challenge.

"I'm disappointed in the way the council is treating decent people."

He said: "I'm not going to pay - I was well within my rights and I'm not giving up."

Kay English, Borough of Poole's parking services manager, said: "Every challenge received is carefully considered and the circumstances surrounding the issuing of the notice are fully investigated.

"Both Mr Watts and Mr Ainsworth were separately advised by parking officers to submit a challenge or make a representation to the council, and did not.

"Their cases were then progressed in accordance with normal procedure. It is the motorist's responsibility to clearly display a valid ticket or permit so it can be seen by the CEO."