A SERIES of events to mark the European Year of Disabled People will be launched in Darlington on Wednesday.

Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) plans to hold activities throughout the year including a sponsored abseil and swim, a competition for schools and a photography exhibition.

DAD members will be promoting the events in the Cornmill Centre between 10am and 3pm.

The group will also present the 20,000th user of Shopmobility, which provides free wheelchairs for shoppers, with a prize at 11am.

Volunteers are needed to help with events. For details telephone Mr Pybus on (01325) 489999 or Garry West on (01325) 286802.