A woman who lost her hair because of cancer treatment says she wasn't allowed into a town venue on New Year's Eve because she was wearing a hat.

Jackie Taylor, 36, had been out with friends in the town celebrating and later in the evening they went to Colchester Arts Centre in Church Street.

She said a member of the door staff at the venue told her she couldn't wear the flat cap inside.

"I told him I was having chemotherapy and showed took the hat off to show him," Ms Taylor said.

Ms Taylor, of Thorpe Walk, Greenstead, Colchester, said she was directed towards another doorman, who said something along the lines of 'rules are rules'.

"I choose not to wear a wig, so not letting me in is discrimination," Ms Taylor said.

Ms Taylor, who has been having chemotherapy for breast cancer since the end of November, expects to continue her treatment until May.

Anthony Roberts, director of the arts centre, said: "This was the wrong decision to make , no question. Given the circumstances, this person should have come in, had a jolly good time and yes, of course kept her hat, or whatever she wanted, on."

"I'm so sorry this didn't happen. So no excuses, please come back next time as a personal guest."

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Published Monday, January 10, 2005

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