The island’s first beach wheelchair service has launched in Ramsey.

Funded by Celton Manx’s Recognition award, it allowed local charity Disability Networks to buy a DeBug all-terrain chair.

Disability Networks’ director Steven Coren said the service was ’a first for Ramsey and the Isle of Man’ that would make a massive difference to many disabled people by providing easy and safe beach access.

He said: ’The service could not have happened without the award from Celton Manx, to whom we’re extremely grateful. This has been very much a community project, not least getting the wheelchair from the manufacturers in Florida to the island, a challenge made possible thanks to the support from a good number of local businesses.’

Celton Group chief executive Bill Mummery said: ’I congratulate Disability Networks on their brilliant initiative, which has clearly prompted a very positive community response. This is a charity working hard to empower people with disabilities and remove barriers to their independence and enjoyment of quality of life. It was therefore heart-warming to learn that for Jamie Pearce it was the first time in his adult life when he had been able to get onto a beach.’

Disability Networks’ beach wheelchair is available to hire from the Pepsi Max Bowl branch of Outdoors Ramsey on Queen’s Promenade, Ramsey, telephone 819082.