A NEW Shopmobility service was launched from a seafront office in Redcar on Tuesday.

The scheme, which has a range of three- and four-wheeled scooters, motorised and manual wheelchairs and walking aids on offer, will be run from the office at 2 Pybus Place, which is next to Pacitto's on the Esplanade. It will be open seven days a week - Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 11am-3pm.

There will be a £10 annual membership fee and a hire charge of £1 per three-hour session. Non-members can also use the service but will be charged £1 an hour.

Funding for the initiative has come via an £88,000 grant, over three years, from the Lottery community fund. It has also received support from Redcar and Cleveland Council and sponsorship from a range of businesses.

The scheme's arrival has been described as a tribute to the two years' work by Redcar and Cleveland Disability Access Group.