Disability group hits 50,000km milestone

The team wants to eventually hit 50,000km a year

A rehab cycling service has covered more than 50,000km (31,000 miles) with its clients - more than the circumference of the Earth.

Freetrike, based in Exminster, launched in 2010 and uses specially adapted electric trikes to take people with mobility issues out on Devon's traffic-free trails like the Exe Estuary Trail.

Founder Tom Pales said the group had helped people who had suffered strokes, head injuries and respiratory disorders, as well as those who are normally housebound.

Clients who have used the service said it had been "life-changing" for them.

The team have developed a community on the trails, always waving hello to regular walkers and cyclists

Chris Hennessy, who suffered a head injury after a motorbike accident, said he had been going out with Freetrike for three years.

"Because of my brain injury, I don't have a centre of balance; I don't need a centre of balance on a tricycle," he said.

"[Freetrike] allows so many people who are disabled, who can't walk, freedom to ride all over Devon. I love it, it's brilliant."

Colin Cousins, who had a stroke which affected his eyesight and his short-term memory, added that it was a way of getting "out and about".

"It's good, you get out in the sunshine, enjoying yourself," he added.

Mr Pales said he wanted to get to the stage where they were doing 50,000km a year with their clients.

"We have worked with hundreds of people over the years, getting people out on to trails with one-to-one support," he added.