A FORMER army nurse suffering from PTSD claims to have been thrown out of a supermarket after taking her assistance dog into the shop.

Elaine Arnold said she has been left distressed and anxious after a confrontation with staff at Asda in Ipswich on Saturday.

The 57-year-old, of Clear Springs in Dovercourt, had taken her Patterdale terrier Holly into the shop - something she has done before without issue - when she was approached by a member of staff.

She said: "I went to customer services and asked for the keys to a scooter, I got on and Holly sat on the floor between my legs.

"I was going round doing my shopping when this man said 'you aren't allowed dogs in here'.

"I said she is an assistance dog."

Holly wears a labelled jacket - but she is not registered as emotional support dogs are not recognised in the UK unlike in America.

Mrs Arnold, who was a nurse with the Army Reserve, said she was asked why she has the dog, but did not feel comfortable talking about her mental health issues in front of other shoppers.

"It was Saturday between 1pm and 2pm and it was quite full," she added.

"He was shouting at me, so I moved away because I don't like confrontation.

"He came and said you have to leave the store and said he was banning me.

"He said he was calling the police."

Mrs Arnold, who also suffers from severe back pain from a slipped disk, panic attacks and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, said she has a GP letter to say she needs her dog with her.

"I was very distressed at the time," she added.

"It has really put me back.

"I have complained to the store and spoken to the store manager and he said the man was right.

"But I've taken her there before, to Tesco and Morrisons without problems.

"Now I'm worried about going out and trying to take her places."

Asda did not provide a comment but a spokesman said Mrs Arnold has not been banned from its stores.