A Croydon disability campaigner has won a national award for her work in breaking down barriers for other young disabled people.

Lauren West, 24, was named Muscular Dystrophy UK’s trailblazer of the year at a ceremony in central London on Saturday.

As well as her work for the charity she has campaigned for better access for disabled Londoners including on buses and at train stations, holding Transport for London bosses to account.

Ms West, who has the muscle-wasting condition spinal muscular atrophy and uses a wheelchair, was presented with the award by television presenter and former tennis champion Sue Barker, the charity’s president.

Ms Barker described Ms West as a “truly fantastic ambassador” for the charity’s Trailblazers progamme.

She added: “Lauren has worked tirelessly to break down barriers for young disabled people, and is a great role-model, helping to engage and encourage others. It was an honour to meet her and present her with this wholly-deserved award.”

Ms West said: “It was a huge honour to win. Campaigning can be done in so many different ways. We all have different skills that we bring, and it’s all about taking the approach that is right for you.”