Beach's all-terrain wheelchairs

The service is set to start within a matter of weeks

An all-terrain wheelchair service will run this summer to open up access to one of Pembrokeshire's main beaches.

The chairs that can be pushed across sand and stones will be available to hire free of charge at Saundersfoot.

The county's disabled access group said although they were common on continental beaches it believed it was the first service of its kind in Wales.

Eventually it hopes to have specially designed wheelchairs available at all the county's main beaches.

Henry Langen was one of the members of the access group to test the wheelchairs, and first saw them in action on a visit to France.

"Over there the beaches are much more accessible," he explained.

The worst thing for wheelchairs is soft sand but these don't have a problem Henry Langen

"It is something we have been working here for the last 18 months. The national park is very keen on this as it improves access to the coast.

"The chairs are wonderful. They will get people out to the beaches through sand and over stones.

"The worst thing for wheelchairs is soft sand but these don't have a problem."

Mr Langen, who is also vice-chairman of the access panel for Disability Wales and said the scheme, a partnership between the access group and Pembrokeshire Council, was attracting interest across Wales.

For this summer's pilot project the group, which is funding the chairs, aims to have two for hire and a third in reserve in case of emergencies.

They will be available free of charge from Saundersfoot's tourist information centre although a deposit will be required.

If successful, then funding will be sought to offer the service at more beaches in the future.