A PIONEERING project which gives people with mobility problems independence is being championed as a model for other towns and cities.

Shopmobility, based in Golden Square, provides services from electric scooters to walking sticks - enabling people to get around town on their own.

Now Warrington South MP Helen Southworth has highlighted the benefits of the charity's success to Government health bosses in a bid to fund similar projects across the UK.

She said: "The word Shopmobility may not mean much but its importance to people with mobility problems is phenomenal.

"It gives people the independence to leave their homes and come into town to do everyday things that they couldn't do without the service.

"It's also about improving our town centre and getting more and more people to come in and help regenerate it."

The service is manned by volunteers. More than 20 people a day use the facilities on offer and it is hoped this will be expanded in the future.

Co-ordinator Geoff Berry added: "We would like to expand what we have to offer, not only in the town centre but also into the districts so everyone who needs it can benefit."

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