Barry Seal, 6'2'', and rugby player Lincoln Dodd, 6'7'', applied for production jobs with Sun Valley Foods, in Hereford, which processes poultry.

But they are claiming sexual discrimination after they lost out to shorter candidates because Sun Valley prefers smaller employees.

Spinal damage

Sun Valley, Hereford's biggest employer, denies discriminating against tall people.

The firm claimed that tall people were more likely to damage their spines doing the job and they were preoccupied with the welfare of their staff.

Carl Shutt, of the Citizens' Advice Bureau, representing the claimants, told the tribunal: "At the time Mr Sele and Mr Dodd applied for employment the respondent did operate an absolute bar which clearly referred to height."

Hearing adjourned

Audrey Williams of Sun Valley denied the company had a "heightist" policy.

Tribunal chairman George Dyson has adjourned the hearing until Wednesday when the board will reconvene to consider the case.