A DISABLED man stopped off for a drink in Worcester as part of his 300 mile pub crawl campaign.

Alex Barker, 43, who has Moebius Syndrome and facial palsy, set out on his awareness campaign last Friday after he was turned away from a pub in Cornwall after staff mistook his disability for drunkenness earlier this month.

Mr Barker, who lives in Coventry, called in at the Pavilion in Worcester's Cripplegate Park on Friday for a soft drink.

Mr Barker said: "I had a fantastic welcome from all the pubs I’ve visited on the way, including the Pavilion. I’d never been refused service before, and it’s restored my faith that so many pubs are clearly very welcoming to all their customers. All licensees need to make sure they and their staff are aware of their legal obligations to treat all customers fairly and equally.

"At the pub in Cornwall, I didn't even get as far as the bar before they turned me away, and I tried to explain about my condition but they weren't interested. I was really embarrassed and felt belittled and shocked. I've been able to drink for about 25 years and this has never happened to me before.

"I just want to raise a bit of awareness so that people may stop and think if they come up against a situation like this."

Mr Barker, an IT worker, is hoping to raise £10,000 for Changing Faces and Facial Palsy UK.

Dr James Partridge, chief executive of Changing Faces, commended Mr Barker's determination to use his own experience to raise awareness.

He said: “The Equality Act protects people with disabilities and disfigurements from discrimination, and pubs, bars and clubs who don’t recognise this and step up to the plate could find themselves in hot water. We've published guidelines to help licensees and door staff deal with these issues.”

To donate, visit www.servealex.co.uk.