Carrier introduced for West Bay wheelchair users

The new wheelchair carrier allows Neil and Lucy Barnes to enjoy the beach together

A specially-designed carrier that allows wheelchair users to enjoy access to a beach has been introduced on the Dorset coast.

Wheelchairs can be placed on to the platform, which can then be wheeled over the beach at West Bay.

Neil Barnes, from Bridport, had campaigned for a facility to allow better access to the beach for his daughter Lucy.

He said it was a "dream come true" for both of them.

The platform is specifically for people who are not able to transfer from their wheelchair into one of the beach wheelchairs or those who require a special moulded chair.

'Accessible to all'

Mr Barnes said he had the idea eight years ago of some kind of ramped wheelchair carrier built for Lucy, who has cerebral palsy and is a lifelong wheelchair user.

Elaine Leader, who has previously fundraised for beach wheelchairs at West Bay, took on the project when Mr Barnes was not able to find a suitable solution.

Eventually, after £5,600 funding from West Dorset MENCAP, a bespoke carrier was created by designer Stephen Eldridge and built by Crafty Fabrication in Weymouth.

Ms Leader said: "The prototype is just incredible - when we tested it, not knowing if it worked, it was brilliant - it did the job."

It meant that Ms Barnes, 33, could travel freely across her local beach for the first time in her adult life, pushed by her father.

He said: "All the sounds, sights and smells of the seaside weren't really accessible to her.

"It opens it all up for her. To actually get on to the beach, up to the water's edge is not something she has done - it's so exciting for her."

It is hoped the carrier will be kept in a special storage facility and made available for booking.

There are also plans to buy additional matting to allow easier access to the beach for wheelchair users.