Town hall bosses were left red faced after The Gazette unveiled how workmen sprucing up North Promenade had made an astonishing short cut.

On finding a sock tied to the railing, the contractors painted over it instead of removing it.

Julian Kearsley, executive director of business services for Blackpool Council, branded the stunt an embarrassing mistake and vowed the contractor would return to finish the job properly.

Today the company was named as St Annes Decorators Ltd.

>> Painters' shortcut leaves council red-faced

The firm, based on Boome Street, South Shore, declined to comment.

The controversial footwear was removed from the railings 150 yards away from the Hilton hotel on Tuesday – but wet weather has so far prevented workmen from painting over the tell-tale ring.

Mr Kearsley added: "We're obviously very disappointed with this act of laziness.

"The council is committed to cleaning up and improving Blackpool and we want to work with contractors who feel the same."

Council bosses said they were unable to give an accurate figure as to how much the job had cost. They said the work was part of "a larger contractual agreement".

The gaffe was discovered by visitors staying at the nearby Rutland Hotel.