Shoppers with mobility problems will be able to travel in style around the Eastgate Shopping Centre.

The Basildon shopping complex has bought a brand new £2,000 motorised scooter for Shopmobility.

The gift was handed over at a special presentation today and marks the dawning of a bright new era for the charity, which loans scooters and wheelchairs to disabled shoppers.

About 18 months ago Shopmobility's future looked uncertain when it hit financial problems. A new committee has since been elected and the service has been able to continue.

Volunteers meet the disabled shoppers in car parks or at special bus drop-off areas.

Users say the service gives them independence and freedom to shop on their own.

Eastgate hopes other businesses in the town will buy scooters and aims to replace the entire fleet within the next year.

The Eastgate Centre, the charity's only source of support, provides a fully-equipped office for volunteers and storage facilities for equipment.

Westcliff-based specialist retailer Body's supplied the brand new scooter, a Rascal 245, at a discounted rate and will be greatly involved in the forthcoming Disability Awareness week.

From Monday, visitors to Eastgate will be able learn about what gadgets and equipment are available to make life easier for disabled people.

Eastgate deputy manager Ian Clark said: "We are committed to helping Shopmobility provide quality equipment for those with mobility problems and would welcome other organisations in Basildon joining us and sponsoring motorised scooters for the charity."

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