RETAIL therapy has been made easier for hundreds of disabled people living in Sunderland with the help of the new operators of Shopmobility at the Bridges shopping centre.

More than 600 disabled people have already signed up for the service, which means they can get help into the Bridges and then do all their shopping from either a powered scooter or wheelchair - free of charge.

Ross Care Centres has taken over the running of Shopmobility, helped by money from Land Securities, which owns the shopping centre.

Mike Turner, of Ross Care Centres, said: "We are responsible for the maintenance of 65,000 wheelchairs to 14 NHS trusts and also long-term providers of mobility products to a number of Shopmobility schemes.

"But we now operate two Shopmobility facilities directly, including the Bridges.

"We aim to develop the facility at the Bridges to encompass the needs of others who would benefit from a little extra help to make life a little easier."

Bridges marketing executive Kate Crosby said: "The powered and manual wheelchairs make shopping accessible to all."

Shopmobility members are given instruction on operating the powered vehicles and can then use them in the Bridges and the rest of the city centre.

Anyone wishing to join Shopmobility can call it on 0191-514 3337.