A BUS firm accused of discriminating against disabled people has won a landmark court case.

Arriva North East has been told to make "adjustments" so wheelchair users are not unduly disadvantaged.

However, Judge Peter Bowers at Teesside County Court ruled it had not breached the Equality Act and had not left wheelchair users at "substantial disadvantage" over able bodied passengers.

The company was being sued by several disabled people - with the support of Darlington Association on Disability (Dad) - who claimed they had experienced discrimination, such as being denied access to buses when wheelchair spaces were occupied by other passengers.

Arriva North East argued it complied with Department of Transport guidelines and its drivers were given appropriate training.

The judge did make a number of recommendations, which included that Arriva set up a 'hotline' for wheelchair users wishing to use the service.

Chris Fry, managing partner at Unity Law, who was acting for the claimants -  seeking £18,000 in compensation - said they would seek an appeal.

He added: "The judgement doesn't go far enough."

The campaigners had been challenging Arriva's first come, first served policy that means drivers do not have to force passengers occupying wheelchair spaces to move if a wheelchair user wants to board.

Nigel Featham, managing director for Arriva North East, said: "We welcome the judgement but were disappointed that the matter went to court as we are always open and willing to discuss issues affecting people with disabilities to help make public transport even more accessible wherever possible."

The case was the first of its kind against a transport company.