The Dial A Wheelchair scheme residents can borrow wheelchairs for a maximum of three days for day-to-day activities such as shopping, visiting friends or relatives, to get to an appointment or for outings. The chairs can be delivered and collected from a person's home.

The scheme, which provides equipment that helps children, young people, adults and older people with disabilities, become more mobile, independent and able to enjoy what many of us take for granted.

The equipment consists of items to help around the home, for example a stair rail, a ramp to help someone get into their house, a raiser to help get up from a chair, or a bath/shower seat.

Councillor Neil Wilson, executive member equalities and social inclusion, said: "It is important that disabled people are able to take part in day-to-day activities that many of us take for granted.

"The Dial a Wheelchair service will provide short-term loan wheelchairs to people who may not always need them in their daily lives. It is free of charge because most people who need them are on older people on low incomes who would not normally be able to buy their own wheelchairs."

People wanting further information on the scheme can contact 020 8430 6454 or visit www.newham.gov.uk