AN appeal has been launched which aims to help less mobile visitors scoot round a nature reserve.

Durham Wildlife Trust wants to raise £8,000 for an all terrain mobility scooter for use at Low Barns reserve, Witton-le-Wear.

Craig Best, reserve officer, said one regular visitor had test driven the majority of trails around Low Barns on their own scooter to ensure the area was suitable for such a vehicle.

In addition, all hides are accessible by scooter.

“The reserve is very easy to access, with flat terrain and good footpaths, but it would be great if more people with limited mobility were able to enjoy the wildlife,” he said.

“That’s why we have launched the appeal for a mobility scooter.’’

The reserve, which features, woodlands, lakes and grassland on the banks of the River Wear, attracts a wide range of wildlife – as well as more than 10,000 visitors a year.

To kickstart the appeal, the catherine Cookson Charitable Trust has donated £500.

Online donations to the mobility scooter appeal can be made at durhamwt.co.uk/membership/make-a-donation