DISABLED people in York told of the difficulties they have faced in an investigation into discrimination in the city.

Wheelchair users have told how bus drivers have not let them on if there are pushchairs onboard and one person said when they were not allowed due to a broken ramp, passengers stopped the driver and helped lift the wheelchair on themselves.

The experiences have been recounted as part of Healthwatch York research into discrimination against disabled people in the city.

Emma Hersey, who is conducting the research, said: "We have been looking at the attitudes disabled people face from both the public and service providers - for example bus drivers, shop assistants and GPs. This has been done in several ways, including through engaging people face to face at focus groups and through an online survey.

"However, we are still looking to hear from more people about their experiences as we want as many disabled people in York as possible to have their voices heard."

So far about 70 people have given feedback. Other experiences have included a lack of support for people with mental health problems, issues for children moving from primary to secondary school, and a lack of awareness from professionals about disability.

One person with communication difficulties has described how a doctor's receptionist would not read the sign they gave to explain their condition and continued speaking.

If you have a disability and would like to fill in the survey, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RCXS9XB by the closing date of May 16.

Meanwhile, people with disabilities are asked to attend an event to help make York safer.

The event at the Priory Street Centre from 10am to 1pm on May 12 will discuss disability hate crime as well as discussing personal experience and identifying places in York where disabled people feel safe and where they do not and will be shared with Julia Mulligan, the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Stephen Brookes, the coordinator of the National Disability Hate Crime Network, will lead the event. which is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop.

To book a place, please phone us on 01904 621133 or email healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk