A disabled mum is fuming after a bus driver refused to let her board because schoolchildren were taking up the bay for her wheelchair.

Sue Groves said there was still room at the back for passengers but instead she was told it was "full up" and he drove off.

Disability rights campaigner Sue is even more incensed as it happened just as the Department for Transport launched a campaign promoting equal rights.

"It's Everyone's Journey" is aimed at supporting people with mobility issues and encouraging them to be more confident when using public transport.

Sue, 58, was waiting for the Arriva 166 bus on Tuesday morning after stopping at the post office and newsagent near her home in Princes Park, Chatham.

She said: "I'd had a bad night, felt ill and was cold and this made me angry.

"It was like a kick in the teeth. I explained there was room if he freed up the space, but the driver was non-plussed."

Sue, who has been awarded an MBE for her services, said: "It shows these campaigns are just platitudes and there is no real action.

"We're still treated like second-class citizens.

"I'm not a negative person. I like to be constructive and find solutions but this was a smack in the face for people like me."

Sue, who is suffering from long Covid, had been on her way to meet a friend for coffee in Chatham.

Sue has also been presented with a Pride in Medway award for her work in the community.

Christian Obray, Arriva's regional marketing manager (south), said: "I have been working with the depot who have identified the vehicle, driver and CCTV footage.

"All of this will now be investigated with the driver being interviewed on Thursday.

"Unfortunately, until we have spoken to our driver we are unable to make any official statement on the matter."