An Asian woman who claimed she was forced to resign from her job because of racist bullying by her boss must wait to find out if she has won her case.

Vasanthal Shanmugam, who worked as a cashier at a petrol filling station at Boship roundabout, near Hailsham, is claiming compensation for constructive dismissal and race discrimination at an employment tribunal from her former employers, Total Convenience Stores.

After a three-day hearing, the Brighton tribunal has reserved its decision, which will be announced at a later date.

Mrs Shanmugam, 51, of Seven Sisters Road, Eastbourne, claimed she was the victim of unfair treatment by assistant manager Charlotte Orr.

She accused Miss Orr of referring to her as a "Paki" and "sari". She claimed when she was being complimented on her perfume, Miss Orr muttered: "Vas smells like s**t."

She also accused Miss Orr of pushed her during a dispute over holiday dates.

The company has denied the allegations and also failing to fairly investigate the claims.

Miss Orr, from Hailsham, told the hearing she was horrified and furious by the allegations and accused Mrs Shanmugam of lying.

David Hastings, who worked part-time, said: "Miss Orr is certainly not a racist or has an aggressive or nasty manner. Mrs Shanmugam was known to be very touchy on certain subjects, especially about her race. She was known to be the type who had a chip on her shoulder. The two women did not get on very well."

Area manager Ian Peer denied the company failed to take Mrs Shanmugam's complaints about unfair treatment seriously. He told the hearing the company's investigation into the allegations of racism stopped when Mrs Shanmugam resigned.