A MANIC depressive has hit out at Government rules restricting his work as a photographer.

Max Harper is having to stop running photo sessions because it affects his weekly benefit claim for £99.

Mr Harper, of Stoke Prior, near Droitwich, had taken pictures as "therapeutic earning" since he was told by psychiatrists in 1988 that his depression meant he could not work full-time.

"I did very little paid work, in fact, but I've been put in a position where now I do nothing," said Mr Harper. "I lose my entire week's benefit and, in addition to that, the whole system is messed up so I don't receive anything for weeks afterwards.

Taught

"They say I can earn up to £72 but if I say I've charged a customer £60 they say I should have charged more and take the benefits away regardless."

The 58-year-old would hold two or three photoshoots every month and had taught at Worcester's RNIB college.

"Working is good for me because I'm doing a job and I'm doing something with the skills I've got," said Mr Harper.

"One of the officers said 'I want you to do nothing'. It just extinguishes what little gift I've got."

The Department for Work and Pensions was asked for a response, but refused to comment on individual cases.

Peter Luff, Mid-Worcestershire MP, told a House of Commons debate that the Government's war on benefit fraud had "ruined the life" of Mr Harper.

During a debate with Ministers from the Department for Work and Pensions he read from a letter that Mr Harper had sent him in which he said he "lived in fear" he would be reported if he picked up a camera.