WHEELCHAIR-bound people in Wyre Forest will soon be able to hit the road thanks to a new initiative from a district charity.

Organisers of the Thumb-a-Lift service, part of the Wyre Forest branch of national charity Toc H - which aims to help people in their communities - have bought a new wheelchair-friendly car to enable disabled people to get out and about. Wyre Forest Thumb-a-Lift manager Vince Taylor helps disabled Steve Hewerdine into the service's new Renault Kangoo.

The £15,000 Renault Kangoo, which was funded by grants from a range of trusts, was blessed by the Bishop of Worcester, Rt Rev Peter Selby, on Saturday before being put to work ferrying wheelchair users on single trips or holidays.

The aim is for family and friends to drive the car after paying a nominal charge to cover insurance and servicing.

Thumb-a-Lift has been run from Bewdley for 12 years and has 30 volunteer drivers and 10 telephone operators. Drivers cover 40,000 miles a year making 4,000 trips for about 400 passengers across the district.

But prospective new volunteers are always sought and can call Thumb-a-Lift manager Vince Taylor on 01299 405820, which is also the number for more information on the wheelchair-friendly car.