THE Tamar Community Trust have secured £1,000 from the Cooperative Bank's Customer Donation Fund, that will be used to fund the 'tramper' (an off-road mobility scooter) for another two years, making access to the Tamar Trails possible for those with limited mobility.

The trust works closely with the local community on the Devon and Cornwall border, in conjunction with the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team, whose main aim is to conserve and enhance the landscape.

The Tamar Trails at Gulworthy were created as part of the Tamar Valley AONB's £7-million Mining Heritage Project, and the 25km of multi-use routes are available for all to enjoy.

Kate Blake, from Tamar Adventures which now runs the centre at the Tamar Trails, said: 'This funding is crucial to our aims of making the trails accessible to as wide an audience as possible. For the past year, a tramper has been available to hire. The grant will enable the continued use of the tramper over the next two years.'

John Page, chair of Tamar Community Trust, said the trust will be developing opportunities to get involved in woodlands, such as conservation task days at Cleave Wood and Bere Alston, and continued heritage works at Wacker Quay on the River Lynher — this will benefit and develop quality access across several locations across the Tamar Valley and its tributaries.

Nick Websdell, head of business banking at the Cooperative Bank, said his bank was impressed with the work that the Tamar Community Trust does to conserve the area in and around the Tamar Valley and is delighted this funding will ensure more people have the opportunity to enjoy its natural beauty.

The tramper can be hired from the Tamar Trails Centre, Gulworthy. Contact Tamar Adventures; for details on 01822 833409, email [email protected]">[email protected] or visit the website at http://www.tamartrails.co.uk/tramper-hire">www.tamartrails.co.uk/tramper-hire