A sex swap millionaire has told why he's suing a surgeon who changed him from a man to a woman.

Father-of-two Charles Kane, 44, became Samantha Kane in August 1997 - but after three years realised he had rushed into the decision and wanted to be a man again.

The property developer and designer had been suffering from a nervous breakdown after his wife left him and claims gender identity specialist Dr Russell Reid convinced him to have the surgery.

But he is now desperate to return to being Charles and has launched a High Court claim for damages for the trauma he has suffered from having a sex change he did not want.

Mr Kane, who lives on Newcastle's Quayside, says he felt "penis envy" and has felt extremely inadequate as he has lived as a castrated man since the surgery.

In a writ issued at the High Court, Mr Kane, who referred to himself as "they" throughout, is seeking £186,442.20 compensation because he alleges Dr Reid failed to take precautions in referring him for surgery, failed to take appropriate action in response to his medical history and was negligent or reckless in advising him.

He said: "The whole experience was very distressing for me - it was a devastating operation and very difficult."

Mr Kane split from his wife in the mid 1990s.

He says the split and being unable to see his children, who are now 18 and 19, caused his property empire to collapse and he was left virtually penniless.

He says he was referred to Dr Reid after suffering severe mental break down.

Dr Reid, who works at the private London Institute, refused to comment on the case last night