A pensioner was turned away from the races for being a health and safety risk.

Harry Tharme, 71, went to Brighton Racecourse for a day out with his family.

While his son and granddaughter queued for tickets, Mr Tharme and his wife Brenda joined the queue for £6 discounted OAP tickets.

But they were told the racecourse could not allow in any more pensioners as it had reached capacity.

Mr Tharme, of Albion Hill, Brighton, said: "We waited at the usual turnstile but they said they could not let us in as they would be breaching health and safety regulations.

"It's ridiculous. I've been going to the racecourse all my life and I've never heard of this happening before."

After being turned away, Mr Tharme, who visits the racecourse twice a month, offered to pay the full £10 ticket price.

He was then allowed to enter.

He said: "This was a very unsavoury incident. I was told they couldn't let in any more pensioners for safety reasons but when I said I would pay the full price I was allowed in - even though I was still a pensioner.

"It was totally out of order and a big con. I've never been treated like that before.

"People were arguing in the queue, some had travelled from London for the day. It ruined my afternoon and it is the last time I'll go to the racecourse."

Phil Bell, Brighton Racecourse general manager, said the racecourse had been overwhelmed by visitors on Wednesday because of the Courage Best Brighton Mile event.

He said he was not aware of Mr Tharme's case and asked him to contact the racetrack.

He said: "I'll be investigating the situation. If this happened, we will ensure there are no more problems."