A Redcar grandfather is angry with Northern Spirit for refusing to allow his disabled grandson on to a train.

James Sproxton and his wife Maureen, both in their seventies, planned to give their 13-year-old wheelchair-bound grandson, Daniel Gott, a treat at the weekend by taking him out for a train ride.

Mr and Mrs Sproxton drove to Saltburn so that they could take Daniel on the Northern Spirit service from Saltburn to Redcar, but were told that Daniel would not be allowed to use the service because the train did not have a disabled ramp. They were advised against waiting for the next train, as that too was unlikely to have a ramp.

Mr Sproxton said: "I am very angry about it. Daniel was upset because he likes trains and hardly gets out of his house. We have never had any trouble like this before."

Julie Jobling from Arriva North-East, which runs Northern Sprit, said the company apologised for the family's experience. She explained that the company is in the process of refurbishing its trains and that only upgraded trains have disabled access.

While manned stations throughout the company have staff who can help with ramps, Saltburn is an unmanned station.

"If the family can tell us in advance when they are travelling, we will make every effort to get someone down there to help them travel," said Ms Jobling.

The number for disabled passengers to call is 0845 6008008.