A man who repaired the pavement in front of his own home out of his own pocket has been fined by the local council because the job was carried out without its authorisation, Italian media report.

The 45-year-old man, who lives in Rovigo, north-east Italy, was fined €622 and this could increase to €833 if it is not paid within 60 days.

As if this was not enough, the man was ordered to restore the pavement to its original – broken – state.

The man told media that he used professional material donated by his employer to carry out the work. He said he did not know he needed to obtain a permit to carry out the work, and believed he was doing something right for the community.

He said that he does not have the money to pay the fine, but the council has so far insisted that he does.