An 82-year-old deaf-blind man says he is to have his guide dog removed because it’s overweight.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is expected to take the drastic action after concerns that Derek Beal’s canine pal Paddy is being overfed.

Mr Beal, who has a rare genetic disorder which has left him totally blind and hard of hearing, says he will become a "prisoner in his own house" if he loses his guide dog.

The former catering manager, who lives in Allington, claims he was recently informed of the decision to remove the golden retriever who has helped him navigate through life for the past six years.

Guide Dogs for the Blind confirmed it had made the "very difficult decision to temporarily remove a guide dog from its owner in Maidstone".

The charity would not confirm if the action was in relation to concerns for the dog’s weight.

Mr Beal said: “I’m an 82-year-old man on my own, I have no means of getting about without Paddy.”

"Yes, the dog is overweight, but not greatly. When I go out, the dog is the centre of attraction to people. People keep giving him dog treats time and time again.

"But I've been told they'd have to take him without providing me with a replacement. They are fully aware that would leave me with no dog."

Derek maintains that despite Paddy's weight, he is a fit and well guide dog that is capable of carrying out all of his duties.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association declined to comment on the individual circumstances, but said: "Guide Dogs can confirm that we recently made the very difficult decision to temporarily remove a guide dog from its owner in Maidstone.

"Sometimes, for various reasons, Guide Dogs is forced to remove a guide dog from its owner’s care. It is not uncommon for the guide dog owner to approach the media if they feel the decision is unfair.

“We understand that having a guide dog removed is very difficult for an owner and we go through a long process before we take this decision, which we only make after exhausting all other options. Removals can be in the interests of the dog or to support the client. We cannot comment any further for reasons of client confidentiality."