AMIDST panic at petrol stations across the county, one man in Thame appeared to have captured the sentiments of more rational members of society.

Builder Dickon Johnstone, 36, stood outside the BP petrol station in Park Street on Thursday night, holding a sign to queueing drivers.

It read: “Severe shortage of common sense. Don’t panic. Receive your free complimentary slap on the head today.”

The picture was shared on social networking site Facebook and last night had just under 100,000 ‘likes’, while 42,000 people shared the picture online and another 5,900 users commented on it.

Last night, Mr Johnstone, who lives in Aylesbury, said: “It was just a bit of a joke really. My friend Leanne Norris had written it on her status and I wanted to make my friends laugh.

“But it’s phenomenal how many people have now seen it. I think it’s just hit the nail on the head with how people feel about the petrol panic.

“The world has gone a bit crazy.”

His picture was a hit with Facebook users.

Michelle Loveday said: “I have enjoyed reading all these comments!! This guy really has a sense of humour, ppl like you keep the world sane”

Deborah James added: “Common sense is hard to come by these days. I don’t know where it all went.”

And Emma Gains Thompson said: “Good for you i went past four stations today and all had queues blocking the traffic it’s stupid.”