Cheats claiming to be disabled have forced Oxford's New Theatre to scrap its policy of letting carers in for free.

The theatre said false claims and made up disabilities had become common place for sell-out shows, with people lying to get tickets.

Staff said they have been sickened in recent months to see some people, who have acquired free tickets for their carers, standing up throughout shows. There have been cases where people's 'disabilities' have turned out to be dyslexia.

Now, the policy of allowing carers to attend performances free of charge has been stopped.

And it is feared many elderly and disabled people in wheelchairs or with special needs will have their visits to the theatre, in George Street, curtailed.

The New Theatre said a review of its disability policy is underway, to see if abuses of the system could be stopped.

But the theatre said its difficulties are compounded because it has no wish to cause offence by pressing for details about the extent of disabilities, or seeking evidence of reliance on carers.

New Theatre spokesman, Joel Barnett, said: "It is a very difficult balance. To assist disabled patrons, a policy was implemented for their carers to attend performances free of charge.

"It came to our attention, however, that despite our best intentions to supply these complimentary seats, a minority of bookers abused our policy by claiming disabled area tickets for their own use, without having a disability or indeed carer."

"As with all theatres, the New Theatre only has a limited number of wheelchair-accessible spaces per performance. We want to ensure these spaces are allocated to those patrons for whom they are intended.

"We have temporarily removed our policy of complimentary carer tickets until we have found a way to stop people abusing our trust."

Over the course of a year with about 300 shows, it is estimated that nearly 1,500 concessionary tickets were given to carers.

Fiona Francis, who regularly takes her 83-year-old mother Doreen Cairns, to the New Theatre, said she was saddened the concession for carers had been dropped.

She said: "This is a subject close to my heart as my mother is disabled and in residential care. My mother really enjoys going to the theatre. There are many others who would not be able to go without the necessary carers.

"I was deeply disappointed to learn that the concession for carers has been discontinued.

"This will affect those already disadvantaged, and possibly preclude future visits.

"I am sorry that the system has been open to abuse. Maybe a way can be found to stop further abuse. But the concession should be brought back."