A pensioner has won the backing of his doctor in his bid to escape allegedly noisy neighbours.

Former Royal Marine James Lowe, 76, says the noise has got so bad he has even considered taking his own life.

Last weekend he spent two nights in a bed and breakfast because he dreaded returning to his ground-floor bedsit in Preston Park Avenue, Brighton, where he has lived for 22 years.

Mr Lowe, a veteran of the Second World War Russian convoys, said: "I am at my wits' end. I can hear the tenants above me thumping, banging and shouting at all hours of the day and night. I can't sleep and it is driving me mad.

"I have tried putting my bed at the other end of my bedsit but I can still hear them. I have considered committing suicide."

Mr Lowe, who is on housing benefit, declared: "I don't drink, I don't smoke. I just want a quiet life.

"I may only have sight in one eye and have arthritis in both knees but I am not a wheezing old man.

"I was in the marines and still try to hold myself upright. I value my independence and will not give up without a fight.

"I need to get out of here and live out my last days in peace."

He has complained to his private landlord and Brighton and Hove City Council's environmental health department but nothing has yet been done.

Mr Lowe, who has three grown-up children, said: "My last resort is sheltered housing. I have contacted them but it may take a long time. My doctor says I need to get away from here."

His GP has written an open letter stating: "This gentleman is my patient and I have his permission to write about his medical problems.

"He tells me that for the last four years he has been absolutely plagued by persistently noisy neighbours. He feels he has got to breaking point and says, 'I can't take it any longer'.

"He dreads going back to his own home."

The doctor said Mr Lowe had considerable physical difficulties, including severe osteoarthritis of both knees and very poor eyesight.

The letter says: "Under the circumstances I hope you will consider his request for rehousing with favour."

A council spokeswoman said: "This is a neighbour dispute and the fact this gentleman is on housing benefit doesn't give him any right to housing from the council.

"We have probably got 6,000 people on housing benefit."

"Under normal considerations we wouldn't consider housing somebody who is already housed. However, at present we do have some sheltered accommodation that is difficult to let, so we might invite him to apply."