ALL-ABILITY wheelchairs are to be made available free of charge to allow people with physical disabilities to enjoy the beaches of Ardrossan and Saltcoats.

The All Ability Access project aims to make the area more traversable for those with mobility issues and ensure that everyone, no matter their physical ability, will be able to enjoy the outdoors.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats will have two wheelchairs each, all of which are suitable for children and adults and have been specially designed for use on beaches.

Christine Powell, vice-chair of the Ardrossan Community Development Trust, said: “One of the wheelers is basically a wheelchair that can go all the way down and into the water.

“We have got a really good memory foam cushion that fits in it so it means the chair will be nice and comfortable for anyone.

“We have a Hippocampe, which is a wee three-wheeler which again can go all the way down into the beach, but it’s a lot lighter and easier to manoeuvre.”

Irvine Times: The Hippocampe has been made specially for use on beachesThe Hippocampe has been made specially for use on beaches

There are hopes that more chairs will be funded and made available for use on the area's beaches.

Wheelers that are suitable for dirt and trails will also be available to be booked for use in Eglinton Park.

The project comes as part of a collaboration between North Ayrshire Council and Garnock Connections.

Alyson Hunter, project manager at Garnock Connections, said: “It was recognised that to access a lot of the green spaces and the wider countryside, if you have mobility issues or you’re a wheelchair user it was a bit of a challenge.

“In partnership with North Ayrshire council we funded six wheelers- three different types depending on the terrain.”

To book a wheeler for Ardrossan beach call 07341 320584 and for Saltcoats beach call 07384 806467.

More information can be found at www.garnockconnections.org.uk