Wheelchair in ad is 'fabulous step forward' for disability

A DISABLED model is to feature in a new fashion campaign.

Shannon Murray, 32, who uses a wheelchair, models the Principles by Ben de Lisi range in a photography campaign to appear in the windows of Debenhams stores and online.

Ms Murray, who broke her neck when she was in her teens, said: "I think this is a fabulous step forward by Debenhams and I'm proud to be part of such a big move towards positive representation of disability in high street fashion."

Shannon joins three other women for the campaign – size 16 model Kate Fullman, "petite" 5ft 4in model Tess Montgomery and size 10 model Tokumbo Daniel.

Last week Debenhams launched a trial of size 16 mannequins in its store windows.

The retailer stocks up to size 26 in its womenswear department, and 42 per cent of sales come from size 14 and 16 garments.

Debenhams deputy chief executive Michael Sharp said: "We cater for women of all shapes and sizes, young and old, non-disabled and disabled, so we wanted our windows to reflect this choice."