A DIABETES sufferer has accused his local council of discrimination for ruling that he could not become a taxi driver.

Anthony Ash, of Newfield, near Bishop Auckland, said he had approached a private doctor for a medical.

He had been declared fit, but was still not granted a Hackney badge by Wear Valley District Council.

He said: "The doctor said I was fit to drive a juggernaut, never mind a taxi, but still the council says I am not able to drive a public service vehicle.''

Mr Ash said he had been honest when filling in his application for the licence, and admitted that he relied on insulin for his condition.

He said: "I know of three or four drivers in Bishop Auckland that have diabetes and they have been given a licence.

"I feel that I have been discriminated against by the council.

"I have been honest with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency) in Swansea and they have granted me a driving licence.

"I can use my own vehicle to give people lifts to and from places so why can't I drive a taxi?''

Jim Nutt, assistant director of environmental services at Wear Valley District Council, said: "Each case is assessed in accordance with guidelines issued by the DVLA and the advice of the Medical Commission For the Prevention of Accidents."