The Shopmobility scheme, Crediton has been opened by The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch and Devon County Councillor Stuart Hughes.

The service will allow people with limited mobility to use electric powered scooters and manual or powered wheelchairs to access local shops and use the town's facilities.

Cllr Frank Letch, cut the ribbon watched by guests including District, Parish and Town Councillors.

Cllr Letch explained: "It is typical of Crediton, the co-operation of everyone working and pulling together."

Potential users of the scheme and local GP representatives, care homes and voluntary groups were also be present.

It will help people in the area to get to the local shops.

Devon County Council has contributed £33,870 towards the scheme.

The Shopmobility scheme will be run by Crediton and District Community Transport, which was set up over 15 years ago as a Ring and Ride scheme.

Since then the organisation has expanded to provide a voluntary car scheme and other transport solutions to the elderly, frail, disabled, rurally isolated and community groups of Crediton and the surrounding parishes.

The new Shopmobility scheme will further enhance the ability of those with mobility issues to access shops and services in Crediton.

Kevin Yarnley, Manager of Crediton and District Community Transport explained: "This money has given us the opportunity to provide an invaluable service for both local people and holiday makers.

"We are now looking for funding from local authorities, businesses, individuals and funders to help with the considerable annual costs involved in running a shopmobility scheme."

He added: "We have a meeting room available for hire and there is office space upstairs to let."

Kevin thanked DCC, Rodd Brothers, Steve Rowe, D Morgan, the Trustees and all his staff and volunteers.

The County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, Cllr Stuart Hughes said: "In a rural county like Devon, where local transport and access to services is vital for many communities, services such as these provided by Crediton and District Community Transport play an essential part in people's day to day life.

He added: "Devon County Council is happy to support this new Shopmobility scheme and pleased that the service will provide further opportunities to help people remain active and independent."

The scheme will operate with an annual membership of £10.

There will be a charge of £1.50 per scooter or powered wheelchair per half day, or £1 per manual wheelchairs.

Wheeled walkers (walking frames with wheels) are also available to assist more mobile individuals.

The charges will contribute towards the running of the scheme and routine maintenance.

Training in the use and operation of the chairs and scooters is provided and must be completed before using the vehicles independently.

The new scheme is based at Crediton and District Community Transport, Market Street, Crediton and will be open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.

It will also operate on the first Saturday of each month to coincide with the local Farmers Market.

For more information about the scheme or to book a scooter, call Crediton and District Community Transport on 01363 773303, or visit the website http://www.creditoncommunitytransport.org.uk">www.creditoncommunitytransport.org.uk .