Beach wheelchair service launches

The wheelchairs can be used on sandy or stony beaches

Dozens of people have enjoyed a day at the beach, many for the first time, with the launch of an all-terrain wheelchair service in east Kent.

Thanet-based Beach Within Reach offers free hire to help wheelchair users access areas they normally cannot.

The charity was the brainchild of local bin man David Shorter and is supported by businesses and the district council.

About 70 people attended the launch on Ramsgate Main Sands, including children who had never been on the beach before.

The wide-wheeled chairs, which were bought from the US for almost £2,500 each, can be used on sand, pebbles and country paths, and in shallow water.

I've had a lump in back of my throat seeing all the smiles today David Shorter, founder

Mr Shorter said: "When we were on holiday in the Norfolk Broads we saw these chairs being used and thought it was a fantastic idea."

He said he had hoped to buy four wheelchairs, but the charity received so much support that they were able to afford 18, at a cost of £44,000.

"It's brought tear to my eyes," Mr Shorter added. "I've had a lump in back of my throat seeing all the smiles today."

The charity is run by a team of volunteers and beach lifeguards have been trained to supervise the hire of wheelchairs from Ramsgate, Margate, Broadstairs and Westgate beaches.

Thanet District Council funded the scheme's insurance costs.

They can also be taken further afield for trips to parks and the countryside, said Mr Shorter, who has had several inquiries from people wanting to use the chairs for activities such as fishing and archery.