This sets a good precedent for other people with disabilities.

Steve Metcalf

GNER had said he did not qualify for the service as he was already being given a 34% fare reduction.

Blind people are entitled to claim the reduction from the company, provided they bring along a friend to help them on and off the train.

Mr Metcalf tried to resolve the situation by paying full price so that GNER would book their own guide to help him.

The understanding was that he would then qualify for the executive service.

When no guide appeared at Hull's Paragon station, he consulted a solicitor.

A guide failed to turn up at Hull Paragon sation

Mr Metcalf, who works at the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, has to travel regularly from Hull to London for seminars.

He told BBC News Online: "This sets a good precedent for other people with disabilities.

"GNER needed to be shown the error of their ways.

"Under the Disability Discrimination Act, service providers have a duty to provide auxiliary services like assistance to your seat.

"A person with a disability cannot be provided with a service on worse terms than any able-bodied person."

Policy change

David Mallender, a spokesperson for GNER said "We do not discriminate against disabled people.

"We carry thousands of disabled people comfortably and safely by train each year, and we pride ourselves on the care and attention provided by staff."

The company settled with Mr Metcalf two days before a court case was due.

They also informed him they had changed their policy over concessionary fares.