A STORM has erupted over plans by a controversial Australian dubbed "Doctor Death" to hold a suicide workshop in Bournemouth.

Humanist and voluntary euthanasia campaigner Dr Philip Nitschke was supposed to be appearing at the Adult Learning Centre in Ensbury Avenue next Thursday.

But the premises' owner, Bournemouth council, last night said it was cancelling the booking.

Publicity material for the workshop states that participants are able to examine helium, an "exit bag", drugs from Mexico, morphine and "DIY Peaceful Pills."

Speaking from his home in Darwin, Dr Nitschke called the council's decision "extremely disappointing", but said he was still keen to come to Bournemouth and hoped to find another venue.

"People are making contact with us and there's interest in the idea. This is information that elderly people are very keen to obtain."

He claims participants in the workshops gain peace of mind. "They can learn about various strategies and then get on with living life, knowing they have an insurance plan should things turn bad and death becomes an option."

But Cllr Pat Lewis, Bournemouth council's older people's champion, said: "I am extremely concerned. It sounds like he will be giving the exact advice we don't want to give.

"I'm very upset to hear that he will be putting his ideas forward in our town.

"The people and families concerned are the most vulnerable - this is very worrying."

Dr Nitschke successfully campaigned to have voluntary euthanasia made legal in the Northern Territory of Australia in the 1990s and helped four people end their lives using a "Deliverance Machine" - now in the British Science Museum.

A computer asked the patients a series of questions. After they had pressed a button for the third time, the computer gave them a lethal dose of barbiturates.

That law was overturned nine months later, but Dr Nitschke has continued advising people on the best ways to commit suicide. His Peaceful Pill Handbook is banned in Australia, but he is launching an online version.

Jane Portman, Bournemouth Borough Council's executive director for children and families services, said: "This event was cancelled as soon as it was brought to our attention."