DISABLED people can get mobile at a discount thanks to a new scheme from Blackpool Disability Services.

The charity has arranged a contract with suppliers to sell wheelchairs and scooters on to customers without the high mark-up normally charged in shops.

And the discount service is soon to be extended to include all disability aids and equipment.

This is the latest facility arranged by the charity which has already had great success with its Shopmobility scheme, hiring out wheelchairs, scooters and walking aids to locals and visitors to use around the town.

Other services are in the pipeline, as disability development worker Lisa Naylor explained: "We are currently trying to recruit volunteers to act as guides or companions for the blind or partially sighted."

You do not have to be registered disabled to take advantage of the service, members have varied and diverse degees of mobility problems.

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery and Blackpool's single regeneration budget, Shopmobility can transform an otherwise impossible or dreaded shopping trip into a pleasurable reality.

"We currently have about 70 members who are enjoying the benefits," said Ms Naylor, "but we are expecting more enquiries as the weather improves, as visitors and locals venture out."

The charity also runs a Disability Information Service from offices in Whitegate Drive as well as a travel information service for people with disabilities and their families, which helps organise house exchanges and holidays as well as offering practical travel advice.

To help support these activities, they are holding their first charity night at The Galleon Club, Adelaide Street West, Blackpool, on February 12 from 7.30pm.

There will be a late bar, live entertainment and a raffle, costing £1 on the door.

The Shopmobility service is situated on Winifred Street, Blackpool. For details phone 753336, or the information service on 699722.

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