The Government is praising businesses which have taken creative steps to help disabled customers.

Maria Eagle, minister for disabled people, has launched the second annual Access All Areas awards to reward progressive companies.

She said: "With a new legal duty from October on all service providers to make reasonable physical adjustments, providing access is not just good business sense.

"It could also help avoid costly court action."

Application forms can be obtained from www.disability.gov.uk

Thursday May 20, 2004