A woman with cerebral palsy has spoken out about the lack of opportunities for disabled people in acting and modelling.

Model and actress Ellie Mason, of Headley Drive, Gants Hill, has appeared in skin care adverts and a photoshoot to advertise a care home.

She first got the acting bug in her 11 years with theatre company Spare Tyre, which met at South Woodford’s Redbridge Drama Centre, but the adult disability section lost its funding this year.

Now trying to make it in the industry, Ellie said she has experienced prejudice.

The 33-year-old said: “I have had quite a few jobs but there are limited options for disabled people.

“I have phoned casting directors who have turned me down when I mention I am in a wheelchair.

“All they need is a ramp and it would be fine.

“We are normal people but the opportunity isn’t there, there are always obstacles.

“I can act, sing, perform and learn scripts but I am just not given the chance because of my disability.”

The barriers to making it in the industry can also be something as simple as travelling to auditions on the Tube, a very difficult experience for Ellie.

She said: “There are not many stations which are accessible with a wheelchair, at Gants Hill there are no lifts.

“My nearest station is in Hainault which is quite a way to go.

“This makes it difficult because an audition can take all day, planning the journey and getting back home too afterwards.”

Despite this, Ellie has seen signs that times are changing.

She said: “There are disabled characters on Coronation Street, Eastenders and Hollyoaks now, so I do think it has got better.

“But there is so far to go and I want to change perceptions and get my voice heard.”