Northallerton resident Irene Kilding has become one of the first people to sign up to an initiative offering cut-price taxi travel.

The subsidised fares scheme, which comes into operation on April 1, helps disabled people with severe mobility problems.

Discount vouchers are being issued, the value of which is dependent on where residents live. Up to £60 of travel will be half-price for those in rural wards, and £30 in urban wards.

They can be used in taxis run by any of the 32 participating companies, as well as in vehicles operated by the community car schemes in the district.

To qualify for the vouchers, people must be in receipt of attendance allowance or the mobility component (upper or lower) of disability living allowance. Vouchers can be bought from the council.

Application forms can be obtained from council offices in Northallerton, Stokesley and Easingwold by calling (01609) 767080, or by logging on to www.hambleton.gov.uk