A male nurse who was paid �1,500 a year less than some of his female colleagues was the victim of sexual discrimination, an employment tribunal has ruled.

Fergus Reynolds, 60, was the only man in a 12-strong team of operating theatre nurses at Liverpool's Walton Hospital, which he joined in 1994.

His �10,500 salary was some �1,500 lower than many of his colleagues and he also received fewer holidays, the tribunal was told.

Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust told the tribunal Mr Reynolds joined the hospital a year after new pay terms were introduced and it was nothing to do with his sex.

It was important that I wasn't devalued as a human being

Fergus Reynolds

But Mr Reynolds, of Bull Lane, Aintree, claimed a female nurse joined the hospital after him and was paid more.

Speaking from his home on Tuesday, Mr Reynolds said he had put his house at risk during the campaign for a tribunal.

"My own personal life has been in turmoil as well," he said.

"But it was important that I wasn't devalued as a human being."

The former engineer said he did not consider the decision a victory, it just vindicated his belief that men and women should be treated equally.

Potential appeal

The tribunal in Liverpool will decide at a later date the level of compensation to be awarded to Mr Reynolds.

A spokesman for Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust said: "The Trust is taking advice on the decision of the tribunal and will be considering a request for a review or an appeal."

After the ruling a spokesman from the Equal Opportunities Commission said employers should value all employees' talents and skills

"Unfair pay packets which discriminate against either sex are illegal," he said.