A DISGRUNTLED 72-year-old is furious at a furnishing store because the steel bath he wanted was on display and the company would not give it to him.

Ian Royal was poised to launch a one one-man protest against MFI, but after the Worcester News asked the furnishing giant what was going on, the company promised to deliver him the right tub today.

Originally, he was told their latest delivery of 19 steel baths were unusable because they were all faulty, and he would have to wait until the end of the month.

But in the store at the Elgar Retail Park on Blackpole Road the right bath was on display.

Despite spending more than £1,400 doing up his Pershore home, MFI told him it was out of steel tubs. It also delivered an unwanted plastic bath to his house - still lying in his garage.

"I was being given the run-around and it's disgusting." said Mr Royal, who planned to protest outside the branch with a placard and leaflets.

"We spent £1,100 on a very nice bathroom suite, and in February we ordered some furnishings, including this steel bath.

"We'd organised the plumber for Monday, but MFI had delivered this plastic bath which I don't want. They said all the steel ones were damaged - I find that hard to believe.

"I was told I would have to wait until the next delivery.

"What really gets me is that there is one on display in the shop, which they won't take down."

An MFI spokesman said health and safety regulations forbid them taking down and giving him the display bath.

"We apologise to Mr Royal for the way he has been treated, and we hope the delivery of the bath will put an end to the matter."

The spokesman added they were glad Mr Royal's protest had been called off.