CCTV operators have revealed the quirkier side of Nottingham folk.

Some have been spotted talking to the city's Brian Clough statue, while another has gone a step further and had herself pictured naked draped across it.

The 200 cameras across the city which help police secure convictions faster, are also filming the strange things that people in the city are getting up to.

Since a camera was set up in November to oversee the Brian Clough statue , control room operators at the CCTV centre in Woodlands in Radford have reported on a number of occasions a man sweeping around the base of the statue with a long handled brush, talking to Brian Clough.

In February, a man was filmed taking a picture of a naked woman draped across the statue.

The camera operators also have tales to tell about people's reactions to the city's four talking cameras, which were introduced in Hyson Green, Robin Hood Chase, Clumber Street and the Lace Market in 2007.

"Not long after the introduction of the talking CCTV our officers observed someone taking garden furniture from someone's garden," said Neil Harvey.

"We spoke to them over the camera and asked the man to put the furniture back and he did it and went on his way.

"This was strange as it was the first time in our control room that we had used it. Not only were we able to film someone stealing something but we were able to get them to put it back."

Mr Harvey said: "On Friday and Saturday nights the cameras can be used to stop people squaring up to each other. They have been used to inform people that they are on film and the police are on their way."

Police were also called to the Council House where a couple were seen having sex by the Lions. They apologised to police and were sent home.

Mr Harvey who has worked in the control room since 2002 said CCTV footage was also passed to Nottingham City Homes to give information about tenants, for example if they are keeping pets which are not allowed.

claire.carter@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk