A man is 'furious' after claiming he was fired over his personal hygiene.

19-year-old Paul Wilkinson said he feels 'discriminated' against after he claims his manager at The Grape Tree store in Hexham 'fired' him on his first day because of his 'poor personal hygiene.'

"I was really excited to get the job," Paul said.

"I have had a hard time recently and I had applied for many jobs around Hexham, then suddenly the job came up.

"After my interviews I was told I was successful for the position, and I was going to start on August 15, but I was told I could start earlier on Wednesday, August 10.

"On the day, I was excited to start - I arrived at 1pm and was immediately handed a can of deodorant.

"Not thinking anything of it - I accepted.

"When giving it to me - the manager said the job makes you sweaty.

"The first half-an-hour went smoothly; I was shown the computer system and then told to go down to the cellar to stock and list items."

Three hours later, Paul returned to the store level and was told he was fired, he said.

Paul claims: "The manager came up to me and said that I smelled and that they could not employ someone who had poor hygiene.

"When hearing this I was in shock. I find myself to be a very clean person and shower often.

"I even bought new clothes for the job - all black clothing.

"It was a very hot day, and I had been lifting things around for three hours.

"She told me to leave, and I would be paid for the day."

Angered, Paul posted a status on Facebook about the situation, leaving many sympathizing with the problem.

He adds: "I did not make the post to cause trouble but I felt like I was being discriminated against.

"I just wanted to make people aware that this happens in workplaces - as not many people know."

The Grapes company has declined to comment on this situation.