A charity which sent out secret shoppers to visit companies in Southend to test disabled access has presented awards to Asda, Abbey National Bank and the Odeon.

The John Grooms charity, which runs Dolphin Court, a flagship home for disabled people in Eastern Esplanade, Southend, sent out the secret shoppers as part of a new campaign to change attitudes towards disabled people.

Top of the tests - Kath Ward, of Asda, Donya Marshall, Odeon, Carly Lewis, Abbey National, and Keith Malcolm, of John Groom, with resident Mark Ryder Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

The shoppers visited scores of companies in the town and rated them on accessibility for disabled people and staff awareness.

Asda, in North Shoebury Road, Shoebury, Abbey National Bank in Southend High Street and the Odeon, at the top of the High Street, came out top in the survey.

Vicky Hardman,of John Grooms said: "This project was so successful that we have decided to send out an army of secret shoppers every year."

Published Friday October 25, 2002

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