A man has become the first person in Britain to be prosecuted for using a Segway scooter.

Phillip Coates is hoping his case will be used to force a change in the law after he was charged with driving a motor vehicle on the pavement.

Phillip, 51, bought the distinctive scooter for 5,000 pounds after becoming hooked on them while on holiday in Florida.

The former factory worker used it for getting to work, making trips into his home town of Barnsley, South Yorks., and even letting his 86-year-old mother have a go.

But he was amazed when police turned up at his home and interviewed him under caution.

The electric-powered Segways are a low energy form of transport and produce no emissions. Campaigners have been trying to have the law amended so they can be used on pavements and footpaths.

Philip has already appeared in Barnsley Magistrates Court and is due back again later this month when it is expected he will enter a not guilty plea.