A SHOPMOBILITY scheme for people who have problems getting round the shops in Thornbury has been officially launched in the town.

The service, already a big success in Yate, provides battery powered scooters and wheelchairs for shoppers with impaired mobility.

The Thornbury launch by Northavon MP Steve Webb was a poignant reminder of two South Gloucestershire community stalwarts who worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition.

The idea belonged to former Thornbury Access Group chairman Keith Holloway, who died four years ago, and was also championed by district Community Action chairman Sue Gawler, who died last year.

Cutting the ribbon on the new Shopmobility van, Mr Webb said. "It's sad that the two people who worked so hard for this are not here today. This is a tribute to the memory of both of them."

South Gloucestershire Shopmobility has brought the service to Thornbury. It will operate every Thursday (10am-2.30pm) from the town's Rock Street car park, close to bus stops and disabled parking spaces, thanks to a purpose-built vehicle purchased with money from the Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities programme.

A recent grant from the Gannett Foundation community grant programme - run by the Gazette's parent company - has also helped the group increase its fleet of electric scooters.

For a £3 fee people anyone with a mobility problem can hire a scooter for as long as half a day. For those with a Diamond Travel Card the service is free, thanks to council support.

Shopmobility acting chairman Margaret Bracey said: "The scheme has been a fantastic success in Yate, where it now has almost 400 users. We're sure it will be popular in Thornbury once people get to know about it and the better weather arrives."

Project worker Sheridan Crew said: "Our experience in Yate has been that lots of people can benefit from the scheme, not just those who are registered with a disability.

"It's just the thing for people who find shopping a bit too tiring. We give all new users simple training on how to use the scooters."

He said the scheme would be linked to Four Towns Community Transport, with buses picking people up from home and delivering them straight to the Shopmobility point where a scooter or wheelchair would be waiting for them.

Keith Holloway's widow, Thornbury councillor and former Mayor Shirley Holloway, said: "This was Keith's vision and he would be so proud to see the scheme finally starting in Thornbury. The van actually bears Keith's name on the front which is a lovely gesture to his memory."

A similar Shopmobility service is set to be launched in Staple Hill next month.