A solicitor from Brighton who is visually impaired is demanding a ferry company ends its ban on guide dogs.

Outraged Richard Schaverien, who is almost blind, is lobbying Brittany Ferries after being told his dog Barney must remain in the family car throughout a 12-hour overnight crossing.

He relies on Barney wherever he goes but the company says it will only allow guide dogs to travel if they remain in a vehicle.

Other ferry companies allow guide dogs on board under voluntary guidelines, at the very least demanding the dog stays in a pre-booked cabin with the owner. Many airlines also allow guide dogs on flights with their owners.

Mr Schaverien, 45, often makes trips to France to a family holiday home near the port of St Malo.

He believes he has a case of disability discrimination against the company and said it is in breach of guidelines drawn up by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, which recommends guide dogs should be allowed on many parts of ferries, including restaurants and shops.

He has taken the issue up with his MP, Ivor Caplin, and Home Secretary David Blunkett, who also relies on a guide dog.

He is now having to make alternative arrangements with Brittany Ferries' main rival P&O Stena Line, which requires a longer car journey from Cherbourg. Only Brittany Ferries offer a service to St Malo.

Mr Schaverien, a partner in Howlett Clarke Cushman, one of Brighton's oldest legal practices, is taking on Brittany with the backing of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

He is determined to get the firm to relax its rules on guide dogs and at least allow Barney and other dogs to remain in a cabin on a voyage.

Mr Schaverien, who lives in Hove with his wife and daughters aged 12 and ten, cannot understand why guide dogs should not be allowed to accompany their owners around the ship.

Mr Schaverien said: "Brittany Ferries is in breach of a code of practice applicable to all ferries operating out of the UK.

"To expect a guide dog to remain in a car on a 12-hour overnight crossing is completely unacceptable.

"My specially trained dog is not used to spending such a long time in a car alone and would become very distressed stuck in a stationary car.

"I cannot see why they will not allow me to at least walk to my cabin with my family and my guide dog.

"I would also like Barney to accompany me to restaurants and around the ship.

"I am more of a danger without him on a ship.

"There has been a gradual realisation guide dogs should be accepted on all forms of transport thanks to campaigners and fighting issues such as this."

Mr Schaverien has been angered by correspondence from the French ferry company, which said "guide dogs provide little if any practical aid in unfamiliar surroundings and this specifically applies to ships".

A spokesman for Brittany Ferries said: "Animals may be carried on Brittany Ferries under the passport for pets scheme or under quarantine regulations.

"Animals are only permitted to travel in a vehicle where they must remain for the duration of the crossing, except during exercise periods, which will be arranged and supervised by a crew member.

"This policy also includes the carriage of guide dogs, whose owners must be accompanied by a competent, full-sighted adult at all times.

"Pets are not permitted to travel with foot passengers at any time."