A FORMER sales representative has been awarded £5,500 after a tribunal found she suffered sex discrimination at work.

Lesley Hobson, 36, from County Durham, took dental and medical products company Dexcel Pharma Limited to a Newcastle employment tribunal.

She said that after starting work with the firm in November 2001 as a sales representative, her problems began when she was allocated a larger-than-normal car.

In a memo to staff, managing director Michael Kappler wrote: "All Lesley is getting is more leg room, and we all know how long Lesley's legs are!"

In April 2002, Paul Vaughan was recruited as a sales representative, and when Miss Hobson rang to welcome him, the tribunal heard that he used words to the effect of: "You must be the blonde long-legged model driving the 406."

When Mr Vaughan and Miss Hobson met for the first time, the tribunal heard that he said: "Yes, you have got long legs," and made a comment about her bottom.

On another occasion, when Mr Vaughan saw Miss Hobson wearing leather trousers at a function, he said: "You look very good in leather."

As a result of these and other comments made by Mr Vaughan, Miss Hobson resigned in September last year, then made a claim for sex discrimination.

During the hearing, Mr Kappler said Miss Hobson had a "blokey" attitude, and that an investigation conducted by a human resources consultancy had concluded that her claims were mischievous.

The tribunal found that Mr Vaughan's conduct had been triggered by Mr Kappler's memo, in so far as the reference to Miss Hobson's legs was discriminatory.

But it accepted that the managing director had not intended to cause offence.

Miss Hobson also won her claim for unlawful deduction of wages in respect of holiday pay.

Stephen Moore, for Miss Hobson, said: "Miss Hobson wants her case to be publicised as she wants to send a message to women in a similar position that they do not have to suffer; they can take legal action."