An advertising hoarding near a famous country pub could attract legal action after complaints from residents and diners.

The articulated lorry trailer parked near Dick Hudson's Country Inn, at High Eldwick, has been reported to Bradford Council enforcement officers.

And the Keighley firm featured on the trailer confirmed that former world-class show jumper Harvey Smith, who owns land and property nearby, has an interest in the business being advertised.

The trailer has drawn complaints to Bradford Council since it was parked on sloping land on the moors off Otley Road earlier this week, along with comments from pub-goers and local residents.

"We've had a few people comment on it, saying things like 'what on earth is that?'" said Dick Hudson's landlady Maria Wild.

"People have said they don't like it. Diners like to sit at a window seat and look over the moorland, but the advert is in the way. I don't think it's affecting business but it has concerned customers. I think it looks bizarre."

Adrian Leach, of nearby Cragg Farm, said he did not see why Mr Smith could not have placed the trailer closer to his own Craiglands Farm, further along Otley Road.

Martyn Patterson, of nearby Laithe End, Otley Road, said the trailer was "a disgraceful blot on a beautiful landscape".

"It's the worst type of cheap commercialism, which has a high impact in despoiling the environment, provides no community advantage and yields a very small monetary return," he said.

"The Government must protect rural England from this sort of wanton disregard.

"Central Government needs to issue clear guidelines and empower local councils to take decisive action."

He added: "Local councils across the country must step up to this challenge in no uncertain terms, to ensure landowners realise that they cannot just please themselves."

The trailer advertises Keighley-based Great Northern Cars.

Bradford Council enforcement officer Sarah Flockton said they received notice of the complaint on Wednesday.

"I can confirm that no consent has been granted. We will attempt to establish the owner of both the unauthorised trailer and the land who we will contact and ask to move it.

"They have the option to submit a planning application. Even if we are not given to supporting that application, they can still apply."

Mrs Flockton said that if permission was not granted and the person refused to move the trailer, the Council would consider legal action under the Town and Country Planning Act.

Great Northern Cars declined to comment but confirmed that Mr Smith had an interest in the business. Mr Smith was unavailable for comment.