A landmark law, pioneered by Hounslow MEP Robert Evans, has come into force which will affect seven million disabled, blind and elderly people across the UK and Europe.

The regulations mean that passenger planes and holiday companies, including airlines like Ryanair, can no longer refuse to fly people on the basis of their disability.

Seven million passengers require assistance at airports across Europe every year, but until now risked being kicked off their flights at the last minute.

Horror stories have included: nine blind and partially sighted travellers being ejected from a Ryanair flight because there were too many disabled people on the plane.

A woman born without limbs who was told by an Air France employee that, "a torso cannot possibly fly on its own".

Passengers that have been charged by Stansted and Ryanair to hire wheelchairs to get from check-in to the departure gate.

Robert Evans MEP said:"It is incredible that people with reduced mobility have suffered neglect and maltreatment in airports as late as 2007. Some UK airports have put in place admirable measures to assist people, and I welcome these efforts, but voluntary agreements are not a proper substitute for the law".

"Travelling by air is now almost as common as by car, with up to half the population (30 million people) expected to fly at least once a year. With a large proportion of travel taking place inside Europe, it was vital this law be passed at the European level".

Additional regulations will come into force next year to ensure passengers requiring assistance are given a designated point of arrival, and will be provided a seamless service from check-in to the departure gate. Additionally, airport staff will have to undertake disability awareness training.

Elderly Hounslow resident, Syd Yates said:"I should be able to travel as freely as everybody else, regardless of my mobility requirements. Maltreatment on the basis of age or disability is disgusting and should be properly addressed. I am delighted that it is now illegal for this kind of discrimination to take place".