PATIENTS' lives were put at risk when two doctors at a private clinic in Downton advocated a vegan diet supplemented by 'magic potions' as a treatment for breast cancer, the professional conduct committee of the General Medical Council was told on Tuesday.

The controversial regime included taking large quantities of apricot kernels, which could lead to dizziness, coma or even death, the committee heard.

At the hearing in London, Dr Paul Robert Layman, of Copse Road, Verwood, and Dr Jason Rudiger Schreiber, of Salisbury Road, Fordingbridge, are facing a series of allegations of serious professional misconduct.

The two doctors advertised their alternative course of treatment on the internet, describing it as the "best of both worlds".

For the GMC, Fiona Horlick said the case had come to light via a woman from the Scottish Borders, named only as Mrs X, who had approached the Brackendene Clinic, now called Tannery House, in the High Street, Downton, for help.

Mrs X's GP, who had first diagnosed breast cancer and had sent the patient to see specialists at the Borders General Hospital, in Melrose, and then the Western General Hospital, in Edinburgh, became concerned about the treatment.

"It consisted of a diet of fruit and vegetables with organic juices, vitamin supplements and what the clinic described as 'magic potions'," said Miss Horlick.

The claims had been repeated in a number of articles in Scottish newspapers but, when examined by conventional cancer experts, had been found to be untested by any proper scientific research.

Miss Horlick continued that one of the experts, Professor Edward Ernst, of Exeter and Plymouth University, would be giving evidence to the committee maintaining that some of the supplements could have been fatal.

Mrs X had been taking up to 60 apricot kernels a day, which Professor Ernst said could bring on "dizziness, coma and even death".

Sixty a day was possibly in the toxic range and he did not believe that the diet and other substances would have any effect in treating breast cancer.

John Michael Dixon, the consultant Mrs X had seen in Edinburgh, said he had come to the conclusion that only a mastectomy could stop the spread of the cancer, which was still in its early stages.

In those circumstances, the woman's chances of a complete recovery would be high.

Mr Dixon emphasised that he was not against complementary medicine and had, in fact, helped to found a number of cancer centres throughout Britain that offered a mixture of conventional and alternative medicine.

Both doctors are attending the hearing and are legally represented.

They both deny serious professional misconduct.

The hearing continues.