Former topless model Kristy Green has won her sex discrimination claim against an Oxford photographic firm.

Miss Green joined Gillman and Soame, in Bridge Street, last February as a trainee but was dismissed almost immediately.

The 21-year-old claimed the reason was her modelling work, which included appearing as a Page Three girl, where she once posed with a python.

She argued successfully that a man would not have been treated in the same way if he had posed topless.

An employment tribunal in Newcastle has found in her favour, and a further hearing is due to be heard to establish the level of compensation, although the two sides could settle out of court.

Miss Green, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, said: "The tribunal ruled that I was sexually discriminated against because they would not have treated a man in the same way.

"I'm really chuffed but it seems funny they had to consider the difference between a man and a woman posing topless. I would have thought it was obvious."

Gillman and Soame, established in 1840, specialises in portrait pictures and photographs every Oxford University graduate. Other clients include the Royal College of Music.

No-one from the firm, which denied discriminating against Miss Green during the hearing, was available for comment yesterday.

Miss Green made her Page 3 debut when she was 18, and then decided on a career as a photographer. She now works as a freelance.