A Buckfastleigh man has spoken of his disgust and embarrassment after he and his guide dog were refused entry to a Torbay restaurant.

Ivan Morton, a 38-year-old careers adviser, was to lunch with 14 colleagues at the Oriental Touch Chinese Restaurant, Torquay, on December 19.

But when the party arrived for their 12.30pm booking, staff said Mr Morton and his five-year-old black labrador Graham were not welcome.

'They told me we couldn't come in as the dog might relieve himself on the floor. they were quite rude' said Mr Morton.

'In the end we all had lunch elsewhere. Afterwards I wrote to the owner asking him to respond but I've heard nothing.

'Guide Dogs also wrote but they too have not heard back. I'm somewhat disgusted with the treatment I've received.'

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 restaurant staff cannot refuse to serve a disabled person or provide them with a lower standard of service because of their disability.

Kenny Chong, manager of the 200-seat Oriental Touch, blamed the incident on inexperienced staff in charge on his day off.

'Not everybody knows the law. they should have rung me,' he told the Advertiser.

'It would have been better if we had been told there would be a guide dog then I could have informed the staff.

'The person who wouldn't let him in was a student. he's only just started here.

'I'm very apologetic and will be writing to Mr Morton. The staff have now been trained.'