A former mayor has won a discrimination case against a Greater Manchester council after she was banned from using a civic car while breastfeeding.

Manchester County Court ruled that Trafford council had failed to support Dr Pauleen Lane's choice to breastfeed her son and fulfil her role as mayor.

Dr Lane was awarded £7,000 compensation which she plans to give to charity.

Council chief executive David McNulty said he was disappointed with the outcome of the case.

Civic post

"We believe this matter should never have come to court. We take our equalities duties very seriously," he said.

"The reputation and dignity of our mayor as our first citizen is important to the council as it is to local people.

"We have done and will continue to do our best to uphold the reputation of this civic post."

Dr Lane had to drive behind in her own car when she took her baby on official engagements

She was claiming discrimination against Trafford Council for being treated unfavourably due to her sex.

The judge in the case said that Ms Lane had had no choice but to resort to court action.