University pays out

A disabled student who was denied the right to go on stage to receive a symbolic handshake in the Canterbury Christ Church University graduation ceremony has been awarded £4,000 for injury to feelings.

Craig Potter, 28, from Kent, a wheelchair user, graduated in 2004 at a ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral. But he had to be handed his degree at the bottom of the steps of the stage because no ramp was provided to provide access. His claim under the Disability Discrimination Act was supported by the Disability Rights Commission.