A disabled man who collapsed through exhaustion was left "devastated and humiliated" after he was refused a taxi because he had an assistance dog.

Edward Jones, 46, says he was ignored by taxi drivers outside Chippenham railway station on two occasions.

He was told he would not be driven home because of his dog, George, a two-year-old Teacup Shih Tzu who helps him with his mental health.

This was despite him collapsing and experiencing a pain in his legs he described as a “burning from the inside out".

And Wiltshire Council has changed its guidelines for taxi drivers in response to the incident.

Councillor Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “We were sorry to hear about Mr Jones’ experience at Chippenham railway station.

“As we have previously stated, the council takes these matters very seriously.

“After investigating his complaint, we have revised the wording in our taxi guidelines to make it absolutely clear to taxi drivers that guide dogs and assistance dogs must be carried, and it is illegal to refuse to do so.

“In addition, customers who state that their dog is an assistance dog are under no legal obligation to prove this, meaning that any dog classed as an assistance dog must be carried, unless the driver has a medical exemption from carrying dogs.

“Our enforcement officers will be undertaking rank inspections to monitor compliance.”

Mr Jones described himself as feeling “joy and relief” when he was told of the changes.

He said: “Both Wiltshire and Chippenham councillors with whom I dealt on this matter have been wonderful and very supportive, I do want to thank them for their understanding.”

He added: “My hope is that with this change and by publishing this update, others across the Shire in similar situations will definitely know their rights, and feel secure and comfortable travelling anywhere, just as an able-bodied person would do.”

Mr Jones recently moved from London to Chippenham and is registered disabled due to a long-term chronic illness which greatly affects his mobility.

He said the effect that his assistance dog had on his mental health had “saved his life".

The Equality Act 2010 states taxis must carry guide dogs and other assistance dogs.