Shoppers could not believe their eyes as Barbie emerged from her limousine on Saturday only to be lumbered with a parking ticket.

The real life doll was paying Sutton a visit to celebrate the opening of the new toy shop in town, Toymaster Kingdom. She was joined by a six-foot puppy who was also walking the streets sporting a bright yellow Toymaster T-shirt.

Events manager Kristina Read said: "The limousine was given a ticket as soon as it got there Barbie had barely reached the store.

"There were lots of boos from onlookers."

Town centre manager Richard Thomas said: "If they had applied for a dispensation, when the parking attendant had typed in the registration number he would discover they have been given permission to be there.

"However, the chances of them being granted a dispensation in that part of the High Street would have been slim because it could cause congestion, especially on a Saturday."

A spokesman from Sutton Council said: "There is an at any time waiting and loading restriction' on the S-shaped traffic route across the otherwise pedestrianised section of Sutton High Street.

"At this point buses and other large vehicles need the full width of the road to negotiate the corner.

"It is a totally unsuitable place for vehicles to stop for any reason."

November 16, 2001 10:31