LUSAKA - A Zambian magistrate has sentenced a British businessman to 15 days of tending flowers at the immigration department for overstaying his visa.

Charles Long was arrested in Lusaka and taken before the Lusaka magistrate's court, which passed the unusual sentence.

"Long will slash (cut) the lawn and tend flowers at the immigration offices and after that he will be deported," Immigration Department spokesman Mulako Mbangweta said.

Long, who said he was in Zambia to pursue business contacts, appeared resigned to his sentence.

"I feel nothing, I am happy (because) it is better than being inside prison," Long said.