Police Sgt Mad raised a few eyebrows - and strained a few necks - as he chatted to children and shoppers in Didcot town centre.

A bemused market stallholder commented: "I've heard of the long arm of the law - but this is the long legs of the law."

From his size 15 boots to the top of his helmet, Martin Jenner - aka Sgt Mad - was 11ft tall.

Stilted policeman with five-year-old Katie Jeffreys,The stilt-walking policeman amused shoppers with balloon modelling, juggling and other antics as part of a Summer Fun on Broadway programme organised by town centre manager Vic Clinch to entertain shoppers and visitors.

Mr Jenner said: "I have to be careful to avoid overhanging shop and office 'For Sale' signs and branches of trees."

Strong winds and jaywalkers are another problem.

"A surprising number of people don't look where they are going, and sometimes walk straight into my legs with bags of shopping," he said.