The five "metric martyrs" yesterday lose their legal bid to sell goods in pounds and ounces rather than metric measures.

As the High Court rejected their appeal, one of the traders said the ruling impinged on the "traditional, constitutional way of life".

They vowed, however, to take their case to the House of Lords.

In an interview with ePolitix.com, Lord Howe, the former chancellor, said the continued use of imperial measures was a "national disgrace".