Mr Bird plans to fight the ban (Pic Shields Gazette)

Nick Bird, 38, from South Shields, claimed it would be a vital part of the bonding process.

In 1997 South Tyneside NHS Trust banned relatives from cutting cords after a baby's toe was accidentally cut off.

An offer by Mr Bird and his partner Julie Traill, 25, to sign a disclaimer promising not to sue, was rejected.

Mr Bird said: "This is the only thing a father can do at the birth. I think it is important from a bonding point of view.

Mr Bird and his partner have the opportunity to go somewhere else David Shilton, South Tyneside NHS Trust

"To me it's another part of the nanny state, trying to protect people from themselves all the time."

He has had meetings with trust officials and is vowing to carry on the fight, even if he is too late to change the policy before 11 November, when his child is due.

The couple have been told they could use another hospital, but want to use their local hospital, which is a two-minute trip away.

David Shilton, executive director of nursing and clinical governance at the trust, said it was acting on legal advice.

He said: "Our first duty of care is for the baby and the mother. The policy was introduced after a tragic event.

"Mr Bird and his partner have the opportunity to go somewhere else if they feel that strongly."

The Department of Health said there was no national policy on the issue, with individual hospitals able to decide on the matter.