Oxford's most famous busker has been threatened with prosecution from council bosses who object to him selling his CDs on the streets.

Flute-playing Frei Zinger, 49, of Peel Place, south Oxford, won a lucrative recording contract a year ago when a talent scout heard him playing in Cornmarket Street. CDs and tapes of his ambient music can now be bought in top record stores, including HMV.

But Mr Zinger (pictured) has not ventured out on to the streets of Oxford recently because while the council has no objection to him busking, they do no want him selling his CDs without a special street trading licence, which could cost £3,000.

He said: "It's ridiculous. Bands come in from outside Oxford, play in town and then sell their CDs and nothing more is said.

"But because I am a well-known face, I am being singled out. It's unfair.

"I have only encountered this restriction in my home city of Oxford. In Reading, Croydon and Portsmouth, the artist is encouraged to promote his or her music."

He has received a letter of warning from the city council's street trading enforcement officer, Peter Warren- Tibbetts.

This is the third occasion that Mr Zinger has been warned about selling his CDs without a street trading licence.

His father came to Oxford from Vienna in 1938 as a refugee to escape the Nazis. Eight of his family died in the Holocaust.

Mr Zinger recalled how last year the talent scout saw him playing in Cornmarket Street and promptly ordered 5,000 CDs.

"That contract was worth £11,500 - not bad for a day's busking, although all the money went towards funding a new album," he said.

His two instrumental albums are called Flute Dreams and Songlines and are selling well in HMV. They are played frequently at family occasions - and sometimes during childbirth.

Mr Zinger added: "There are plenty of people who support me but some of the council staff are not aware of the popularity of my music, although a lot of councillors have bought my music in the past.

"After having played for nine years here, it would be nice to have some recognition rather than to have to fight the council to do what I am doing."

David Turner, of Oxford City Council's environmental health department, said: "We welcome buskers and we welcome their music but Frei has been told that he has to pay for a licensed pitch like everyone else if he wants to sell his CDs."