People with mobility difficulties or physical disabilities are now able to access two of Wirral's most popular beaches as purpose-built wheelchairs have become available for hire – free of charge.

As part of a project involving Wirral Council and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS, six beach wheelchairs have been bought that will be available for people to book and use for free from both the Wirral Watersports Centre in West Kirby and the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton.

Cllr Yvonne Nolan, Chair of the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, said: "We know that this is something which many people have been asking about for some time, so it is great that we have been able to provide the funding to not only purchase the equipment, but to also make them free to hire.

"This specialist equipment will give access to the beach and to the water for people who had previously been denied it due to their disability or mobility issues and their use will bring so much enjoyment.

"There are three different types of wheelchair available – two require manual pushing and another that is electric-powered."

All chairs that are available to hire are equipped with support straps, cushions and harnesses.

Any additional support or accessories required to use the chairs will need to be brought by the user.

Residents and visitors can book the chairs through the Floral Pavilion website for hire from that venue or the Wirral Leisure booking system for hire from the Watersports Centre.