A SCHEME which helps visitors to the county town of North Yorkshire get around has proved to be a major success.

Launched earlier this year, Northallerton Shopmobility hires out a fleet of scooters and wheelchairs to those who have difficulty getting around.

But it is proving so popular it needs to provide more – and is now looking at ways to raise the funds to do so.

The group is holding its first annual general meeting next month when it will be looking for suggestions then. The meeting takes place on November 2 at 5.30pm at Northallerton Methodist Church.

The chairwoman of the scheme, Janet Seymour Kirk, said: "As a person with a disability who on occasions finds it difficult to get round the shops, I have found the hire of a mobility scooter from this new scheme allows me the independence to still go shopping when I would otherwise have to stay at home.

"I know there are many visitors like me who come to Northallerton – as well as those who live in and around the area - who are already finding this scheme gives them the ability to have days out and shop in their local area with greater ease."

The project was developed by the Northallerton and Villages Community Forum in partnership with Abbey Health, Age Concern and the Northallerton and District Voluntary Services Association.

The not-for-profit initiative provides its fleet of equipment for hire from Abbey Health in Northallerton. Call 01609 781333 or email abbeyhealth@hotmail.co.uk for more information.