THANKS to a grant from the Claire Milne Trust, Shopmobility Tavistock has been able to buy six new wheelchairs and four scooters to replace some of its older equipment.

The wheelchairs are some of the latest Days Swift lightweight models to replace old heavier models. They are ideal for transporting in vehicles and are easy to wheel with a passenger on board. Hospital car drivers have commented on how much easier the lightweight wheelchairs are, making their hospital journeys much easier.'

The new scooters include two new GoGo Elite Travellers that can be disassembled to be carried in a car. The others are larger four-wheel-drive Colt models.

Manager Andy Lyle expressed thanks to the Claire Milne Trust for enabling Shopmobility Tavistock to maintain and improve its service to those who have difficulty getting out and about.

Since its launch three years ago, Shopmobility Tavistock has enabled many local people, as well as those visiting the town, to have access to shopping and leisure facilities, bringing in additional revenue to the town's traders, and other users have used the service to make their holidays more enjoyable by borrowing a wheelchair or scooter to help them get around — one scooter even ended up in Florida.

Shopmobility Tavistock operates from the Anchorage Centre, next to the bus station, from Mondays to Fridays, 10am to 4.30pm. Scooters, wheelchairs, including two powered wheelchairs, and walkers are available to borrow in return for a donation.

It also operates at local events such as the Launceston, Okehampton and Chagford shows and Tavistock Carnival.

Any enquiries should be made to TASS Transport Office on 01822 617525 or in person at the Anchorage Centre.