And finally…adult entertainment entrepreneur left deflated by council intervention

Gateshead Council said LD Europe Ltd sold a range of so-called “sex articles” despite lacking the necessary sex establishment licence.

The intervention followed a complaint that LD Europe Ltd, which trades as Lovedoll UK, was allowing potential customers a “first hand experience” of their product using a bedroom on its premises.

The dolls cost up to £2,000 and the “try before you buy” option is £50.

Inspectors visited the company’s premises in Felling in January following complaints it was running a “sex doll brothel”, and were taken to a showroom and a “try before you buy” bedroom.

A spokesman said council officers were invited by company owner Graeme Tulip to look around the shop’s showroom and its novel customer trial facility.