POOLE has become the first place in Britain to pilot floating wheelchairs and 'MobiMats' making Sandbanks one of the most accessible beaches in the country.

The innovative new mats, which are highly durable and moveable, create an easy path across the beach for wheelchair users, pushchairs and anyone who struggles to walk across sand.

In addition Poole is now home to three floating beach wheelchairs. Made of lightweight aluminium and stainless steel frames, and fitted with all-terrain wheels, secure harnesses, and buoyancy aids, they can be used across MobiMats, or on the sand.

Not only can they give wheel chair users easy access to the water’s edge, they can even go in the water, using the chair as a base to swim from, or safely float in. They were given their first test run by Poole Hospital's Gully’s Place 'Buddy' Kaitlin Moors, 11, and are now available to hire for free to anyone who needs them.

Kevin McErlane, head of culture and community, Borough of Poole, said. “The new MobiMats and floating wheelchairs will now allow anyone to access our beautiful beaches here in Poole.

"Suitable for all users, we are very proud to say that we are the first area in the UK to have these life-changing facilities, and we look forward to everyone being able make the most of their visits to Poole.”

The new equipment has proved hugely popular already - with one user telling beach staff she had been able to float in the sea for the first time in 13 years.

Tracey Moore, Borough of Poole beaches team leader, said: “They have been a huge success, and very well received by both local people and visitors to the beaches of Poole. The MobiMat is currently only at Sandbanks but the new ‘floating’ wheelchairs are available from Sandbanks, Shore Road and Branksome Chine. We have received a lot of interest in the Floating Wheelchairs and it has been lovely to see people, who have unfortunately been unable to go into the sea previously, enjoy the experience.”

The ‘Life’s a Beach’ project which provided the new additions for Poole's beaches was funded by the joint Tesco and Groundwork’s Initiative ‘Bags of Help.’

The Borough of Poole beaches team was awarded a grant of £10,000 by the initiative, funded entirely by the 5p bag levy and voted for by shoppers via a token scheme.

For more information or to reserve a floating wheelchair contact the Sandbanks Beach Office on 01202 708181.