A WEST Yorkshire policewoman allergic to CS gas spray has won a High Court declaration that she is "permanently disabled" and therefore entitled to enhanced pension payments.

The ruling in favour of Pc Louise Corkindale, who has served with the force for 16 years, was welcomed by the Police Federation as an important legal victory.

Tom McGhie, chairman of the West Yorkshire branch of the federation, said other similar cases may now have to be reopened.

Mr Justice Underhill, sitting at the High Court in London, described how Pc Corkindale, 36, of Wakefield, was exposed to CS gas during a training exercise in 1999 and was taken to hospital after suffering a severe reaction.

The same thing happened on three other occasions when using the gas during arrests.

It was decided she could no longer be deployed on "front- line" policing duties.