A FORMER Little Hulton Gulf War veteran is to sue the makers of the TV drama Peak Practice over a plot which he says mirrors his own life story.

Andy Honer, who served in the 1991 conflict to liberate Kuwait as a combat medic, claims Carlton Television has used material from a book he wrote about his experiences without his permission.

Mr Honer's life was destroyed by a string of illnesses when he returned from the Gulf War with a clutch of medals.

He has fought tirelessly for compensation and recognition of Gulf War Syndrome - a series of mystery illnesses believed to have been brought on by exposure to chemicals during the conflict.

He has claimed the previous government tried to cover up the extent of the known links between injections administered to soldiers and the illnesses.

And he has accused the Labour government of betraying the veterans and going back on promises to investigate Gulf War Syndrome.

His recently published autobiography, The Ministry Syndrome, traces his experiences from his early life, through his service in the Gulf to the aftermath of the conflict when he reached the depths of despair.

He says he was approached by Carlton about using his book as a basis for a character in the medical drama Peak Practice.

Andy said he would only agree if there was an acknowledgment for his book in the programme's credits.

But he says there was no correspondence on the matter and the programme was broadcast on ITV without an acknowledgment and with a disclaimer that all the characters were fictitious.

The storyline for the popular doctors drama set in Derbyshire featured a Gulf War veteran suffering from mystery illnesses.

Andy said the storyline was almost identical to his own story, as told in his book, and was so similar he received a number of phone calls from friends who recognised him in the character.

He also claims the programme makers virtually lifted a personal letter to another Gulf veteran published in the book.

Now, he is filing a writ against Carlton TV for breach of copyright.

He told the BEN: "When I agreed to let them use my book, there was no talk of money. They approached me and said it was perfect for what they wanted.

"All I wanted was an acknowledgment in the credits to highlight the book and the plight of the veterans.

"It didn't seem too much to ask."

A spokesman for Carlton said they had received a letter from Mr Honer and would be replying to him in good course.

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