The man who promised to dump 1,000 one pence pieces on the Whitehaven Town council doorstep says he will go through with his plan even if it means a caution.

Lee Butterworth is in the process of opening a new, larger gym at Lillyhall but said “despite the fact that I actually have a life, I have not forgotten what I am going to do.”

Mr Butterworth became entangled in a council row after four Labour councillors complained that he had been given £1,200 for hand sanitiser, authorised by mayor Brian O’Kane – Mr Butterworth’s father-in-law.

“I raised £5,000 – £1,000 worth of sanitiser was given to Whitehaven District Nurses alone and more was distributed to doctors’ surgeries in the town, the ambulance service at Distington and other organisations that serve the whole of Cumbria – including Copeland," Mr Butterworth explained.

“I was one of only 100 people in the county to receive a Rainbow Award from the Cumberland Building Society for my efforts.”

He added: “The town council was buying up PPE and hand sanitiser for key workers. Brian knew what I was doing and asked for my help – and that is what I did.”

He said he has been told that 1p pieces do not have to be accepted but he is determined to pay the council back, despite the amount spent in Whitehaven.

“I am willing to take a caution for it. I am that determined," he said.

Cllr Carla Arrighi, one of Mr O’Kane’s critics, speaking of Mr Butterworth’s wheelbarrow plans said: “This has just been a gimmick and a publicity stunt that has ended in a very damp squib.”