Culture Secretary Chris Smith was faced with the offer of a trip round York's Castle Museum by wheelchair when he arrived in York today.

The Minister, in York to formally recognise the importance of the city's museums, was approached by a disabled, wheelchair-bound visitor, Doris Smith, who "bent his ear" about the importance of disabled access.

Her husband, Bill, offered to push the Minister around the museum in his wife's wheelchair.

Mr Smith, who arrived for the day from Wales, said he thought disabled facilities at the Castle Museum were quite good, but could be improved.

He said he was unable to visit the top floor of the museum because there was no access for his wife.

He said: "I told him (Mr Smith) just how important ramps are, he didn't seem very keen though when I offered to push him around."

Mr Smith, in York to recognise the city's museum service as only one of 26 in the country recognised as of regional and national impoerance, agreed with the problems disabled users have and said he was looking into the matter.

He said: "It's something that Heritage Lottery is looking at when grants are awarded - making sure money is spent on improving facilities.

"It's going to take a lot of time, but it's got my full attention."

Museum curator Jill Greaves said: "I completely understand how disabled people feel and it is a high priority for us at the museum.

Access for everybody is a high priority."

She said improvements to access were being made all the time, but it was an expensive process.

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