FOCUSING on what people can do rather than what they can't, Shopmobility aims to give people the independence that they deserve.

Founded by The National Federation of Shopmobility UK in 1990, the internationally recognised organisation provides people with temporary and permanent disabilities the opportunity to improve their access to shopping and leisure experiences.

People are able to make their everyday chores and interests easier by hiring everything from wheelchairs to scooters from the non-profit making co-operation.

Established in Warrington 13 years ago by a group of people who felt that Warrington was lacking such a service, the registered charity has gone from strength to strength. Later collaborating with similar charities it became part of Warrington Disability Partnership and now boasts more than 400 members.

In order to cover the insurance, people either pay an annual membership fee or buy a day pass on the day they need the mobility aid.

With more than 70 per cent of their staff having physical disabilities, the friendly volunteers, who are based at the Legh Street ground floor car park understand the needs of the service users.

Dave Thompson, chairman of the WDP, said: "Shopmobility provides a valuable service to hundreds of people using or accessing the town centre area - it is estimated that members spend £32,000 a month in the town centre."

He added: "We realise that there is a major stigma attached to using a scooter but they are damaging their own health and wellbeing. I broke my back and I can now go into the town centre and I can do the shopping myself with the use of an electric wheelchair."

Ensuring that people's lives are not disrupted, Shopmobility offers a dial-a-ride service, and has strong links with the bus station and market to give users the convenience they need.

Victor Promfrett, vice chairman of WDP, said: "This isn't a job to me, it's a hobby. It's the feeling you get when somebody comes back and says without you I couldn't have done it. It is just a euphoria feeling when you are able to give someone the independence that they never had."

Shopmobility will be holding a national awareness day on Saturday at Market Gate from 10am until 4pm. People can obtain information and learn how to use the different forms of available transport. For more information about the event and for future WDP events, contact 240064.