A 19-STONE man who applied for a job as a bus driver was turned down - because bosses said he was too fat.

Stuart Wood answered a First Bus advertisement asking for experienced drivers. But when he called the recruitment line, he was told his application could not be considered because he weighed more than 17 stone.

He says the company told him if the driver's seat collapsed under him, they could end up being sued.

Mr Wood, aged 28, had worked for the company five years ago before he moved to Spain and thought he was in with a chance.

Mr Wood, of Brookhouse Close, Harwood, said: "They weren't interested in my experience or qualifications.

"I rang their head office following the interview and was told it was company policy not to recruit people weighing over 17 stone in case the driver's seat collapsed and the driver sued the company."

Yet he weighed 21 stone when he previously worked for First, where he had earned several diplomas for his driving.

Mr Wood had moved back to Bolton from Spain with his wife and son at the start of the year and has been looking for work for the past six weeks.

Since he had trained with First, he said he had high hopes when he saw the job advert.

He said: "They're always crying out for drivers, so I was shocked to be refused.

"I'm 6ft1in and weigh 19-and-a-half stone. But I was actually bigger when I worked for them before. I was more than 21 stone then, but I didn't have any problems doing the job.

"I know I'm a big lad, but I'm into weight lifting so I'm physically very strong and I've got no problems with my health.

"It's discrimination. The ad says First is an equal opportunities company and the job is open to all members of the community. As far as I'm concerned, that's rubbish.

"Of course I'd like to lose weight, but I'd never be able to get to under 17 stone. Why should I have to lose weight to do a job I know I'm more than capable of doing at the weight I am?"

First bosses admitted applicants who are too heavy are turned down.

Bob Mason, service delivery director for First's bus operations in Greater Manchester, said: "The first stage in our recruitment process involves a telephone call during which a number of key personal criteria are established.

"One of these is the applicant's weight, as there is a strict upper limit of 17 stones or 107kgs which applies to all applicants.

"This limit has been set because of health and safety reasons, to keep the weight of the driver within the safe working tolerance of the weight-bearing capacity of the bus's driving seat, as well as numerous well-documented occupational health concerns for the individual.

"Driving a bus is an occupation where evidence shows that weight gain is more likely than weight loss - bringing with it the associated health disadvantages that everybody today is well aware of."

Mr Mason said its overweight drivers receive occupational health guidance and support.

Yet Mr Wood's brother Stephen, aged 32, a policeman, said: "All Stuart wants to do is earn a living so he can look after his family.

"He was good at his job and had excellent references from them, so this is a real kick in the teeth.

"I'm into health and fitness but I weigh just under 18 stone, as do lots of my colleagues - so does that mean none of us could be bus drivers either?

"They didn't even base their decision on a medical.

"How long will it be before passengers are weighed before they step on to a bus just as a precaution'.

"What happens to current bus drivers who put on a few pounds or become pregnant? Are they going to be sacked or given slimmers' foods?"