A VITAL service for disabled people in Darlington could be cut if more funding is not found.

Shopmobility allows disabled people to borrow scooters or wheelchairs without charge.

The service was set up in 1993 and has 2,300 registered members, many of whom live in the town.

Last year, another 300 people signed up for the scheme and 2,800 loans were made.

The service also has six manual wheelchairs, which can be lent on a long-term basis, but such is the demand for long-term loans that the scheme needs more equipment.

It is estimated the initiative brings in an extra £850,000 a year into the town's shops, but because of a lack of extra funding the scheme has been unable to undertake any major advertising or expansion in the past year.

A spokesman for the scheme said: "The Shopmobilty service in Darlington continues to be the envy of other schemes locally and nationally, as we are fortunate to be in such a prominent town centre position with good accessible premises and excellent parking provision."

The service is funded by Darlington Borough Council with Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) raising any money to renew or buy more equipment.

In 2001/2 the group received £29,000 from the council, but this was not increased in line with inflation.

The spokesman said: "Shopmobilty faces a major challenge to provide this high- quality service when funding has not kept pace with inflation, particularly in view of increasing demand for the service in Darlington.

"The current age profile shows that 60 per cent of users are between 36 and 65 years old, which indicates that demand is likely to continue increasing.

"Maintaining the current service at a standstill budget has become increasingly difficult. Inflation costs have been met by DAD in order to maintain pay scales.

"However, this year the organisation has had to review scales to upgrade in line with similar schemes, insurance costs have risen by 150 per cent, and lack of investment in marketing is not allowing the service to reach its full potential.

"If additional funding cannot be found, the current service will have to be reviewed."