A former bowling centre manager from Burgess Hill has won almost £200,000 compensation in a landmark victory over her ex-employers who refused to give her a reference for another job.

Belinda Coote, 38, has been fighting for six years against leisure giant Granada fearing that her career was being "crucified" because she could not even get interviews for a new job.

Ms Coote was manager of a bowling centre in East London run by Granada Hospitality, which she left in 1993 after settling a sex discrimination complaint.

After having a baby she approached two employment agencies for work but every time they contacted Granada for a reference they stonewalled and refused to supply information.

"There was no justification for what they did, other than the fact that I had taken them to a tribunal," said Ms Coote.

"I knew I was being victimised so I decided to seek justice because my career was being crucified.

"I am very happy that the issue has been resolved, not just for me, but for other people who bring claims too.

"It sends a clear message to employers that they cannot

continue to victimise former employees by not providing a reference for discriminatory reasons."

A spokesman for the union GMB, which supported Ms Coote's claim, said: "This is a victory for everyone who has been discriminated against.

"Ms Coote was originally given an award for discrimination when she left the company.

"It is obvious that Granada Hospitality thought that was the end of the matter and continued to discriminate against her when she asked for a reference.

"thanks to this decision, former employees can find protection from vindictive ex-employees."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.