A Cancer patient who successfully fought for his life now faces another battle - to get his old job back.

Carl Grace, 40, of Filching Road, Eastbourne, returned from Mexico earlier this month after three months of intensive treatment at a clinic which specialises in helping terminally-ill patients.

On his return, family and friends were amazed at Carl's recovery and even his GP expressed surprise at the improvement in his patient's health.

Carl, who has been on long-term sickness benefit, was passed fit to work two weeks ago and hoped to return immediately to his job as a care worker at St Mary's School in Bexhill.

But the private school, which caters for children with special needs, has refused to take Carl back until their own doctor has decided he is well enough.

Carl has been told by two members of staff that he is not expected back until September.

It means Carl, who still owes £12,000 for the treatment in Mexico, now faces six weeks without any income at all.

Father-of-two Carl said: "I am absolutely disgusted. I want to work, I have seen the school doctor and given him all the certificates he needs, but they still will not take me back.

"I can't believe, after all I have been through, they are putting me through this. I'm facing financial ruin."

The school further infuriated Carl by refusing him permission to attend the school on Wednesday to see a play written by his wife Loretta, who works at the school as a music teacher.

Carl said: "It was a real kick in the teeth. I worked especially hard to get back from Mexico in time to see my wife's play but when I asked if I could come in they just said it would be better if I stayed away.

"I think they were worried I might say something to parents about what was going on. I don't know what will happen in the future."

David Cassar, principal of St Mary's School, defended his school's dealings with Mr Grace.

He said: "All we are doing is what we always do when someone has been off sick for a long period of time and that is to ensure they are able to come back and do their job properly.

"This is a school full of vulnerable and delicate children. It is up to the management, not the GP, to make that decision. We are waiting to receive a report from our medical officer. No date has yet been agreed concerning Mr Grace."

He refused to comment about Mr Grace's request to attend the school play.