An author who changed his name by deed poll has attempted to open a bank account in the name God.

Sheridan Simove, from Wandsworth, asked his local branch of HSBC to change the name on his current account but advisers said he could not go by one name.

The 35-year-old TV producer, whose book Ideas Man is released in August, responded by saying he would go by the name Almighty God instead.

A spokesman for HSBC said: "Mr Simove originally came to us asking us to us to change his name to God on his account but we told him our system would not allow him to use just one name.

"He then came back to us and said he would be called Almighty God.

"However, regulations mean we need to be able to re-identify someone with a proof of address, using a utility bill, passport or driving licence for example.

"He is yet to provide us with this documentation, so his account is still in his original name for the time being.

He added: "It's for society to decide if his actions are blasphemous or offensive."

It is not the first time Mr Simove has courted controversy.

In 2002, a fly-on-the-wall documentary he was making for Channel Four spectacularly backfired.

He was forced to apologise to hundreds of pupils at Kingdown School in Wiltshire who were duped into believing he was a 16-year-old A-Level student returning to education.

He attended assemblies and rag week and fellow students even helped him celebrate his a "17th" birthday.

TV chiefs from Channel 4 and production company The Talent Shed apologised to the school for the scandal, which resulted in the filmmakers being ordered off the premises.