Wheelchair user Damian Chick has joined the protests

A protest was held in Cardiff on Wednesday, before disabled people and supporters headed to London for the UK-wide Ticket 2 Ride campaign.

It aims to highlight what groups say is "social exclusion" created by a lack of train and station access.

The protest took place at Cardiff Central station, before campaigners headed to King's Cross, London.

Wheelchair user Damian Chick, from Cardiff, said he has to consider the availability of disabled facilities each time he travels by train.

Mr Chick, 22, who has cerebral palsy, added: "Transport is a key to the whole of society, because I can get on a train and go to another part of wale or another part of the country.

"But at the moment, I have to weigh up the pros and cons of whether there is going to be accessible transport when I get to the other end."

'Fully accessible'

Ian Bullock, customer services director for Arriva Trains Wales, which runs all train stations in Wales, said: "We manage 235 stations and the majority are accessible for customers with disabilities, including access for wheelchairs.

"Cardiff Central station is fully accessible.

"We are currently conducting an audit of all our stations to survey them for disability access.

New disability access legislation was introduced in October

"Following this we will then consult with disability groups to prioritise the results.

"We work closely with our rail industry partners, including the Welsh Assembly Government, to investigate all appropriate sources of funding.

"We are committed to providing an excellent quality of service to all our customers.

"All of our trains are fitted with a disabled ramp and our train crew receive training in how to respond to the needs of customers with disabilities."

"We also operate a helpline - on 0845 300 3005 - which provides support and assistance to our customers with disabilities. We advise that people contact the helpline at least one day before travelling so that we can ensure that every assistance can be given."

Protesters from Cardiff are expected to join campaigners travelling from Doncaster and Plymouth for the London protest.

Mr Chick has complained about access to many trains and stations

Disabled passengers claim wheelchair spaces on trains are often taken by people standing because of over-crowding, while toilets and buffet cars remain difficult to reach.

Paralympic athlete Jenny Ridley will join the campaign, which is backed by the charity Scope.

The campaign is calling on train operators to make all trains accessible to disabled people by 2017 and that station operators implement immediately the new Disability Discrimination Act, which took effect in October.

Ticket 2 Ride spokesman Andy Rickell said: "There are 10m disabled adults in the UK.

"For many of us, rail travel remains a completely impractical, if not impossible, means of transport."