North-East men and women who were dealt a cruel genetic blow at birth are now facing life trapped between the sexes.

Distraught patients on the Newcastle Gender Dysphoria Programme are devastated after being told there will be no funding for further treatment.

The announcement has enraged support groups in the region who now fear that the 35 patients who are halfway through treatment will be left in turmoil.

Paula Ryder, co-ordinator for Cross+Roads GID Support, in Bishop Auckland, said: "This decision is going to cause patients heartache, anguish and despair."

As well as the 35 patients having treatment, there are another 60 people on the waiting list after being referred to the programme by their doctors.

Paula, who has already had corrective surgery, said: "Basically, they have said they are going to try to help the 35, but the 60 people on the referral list are just going to be forgotten.

"This is not some kinky perversion - this is a genetic illness that needs treating."

Andrea Marshall, from Consett, who was born Andrew, had been given a date for corrective surgery in Newcastle.

She said: "They have given me a date between May and July, but now I am not sure whether they will have the funding for that. This is tearing me apart. I am neither one sex or the other."

Andrea is now seeking legal advice about whether she can sue the NHS should it cancel her surgery.