BURY Shopmobility can look forward to a vital funding boost to coincide with its 20th anniversary.

For the town’s BHS store in Union Arcade has selected the organisation, which provides scooters for the mobility impaired, as its first-ever charity of the year.

The news has been welcomed by officials of Bury Shopmobility, which is based in Minden Parade.

Cllr Yvonne Wright, a trustee of the charity who is involved in fundraising, said: “Shopmobility assists the less able to shop independently with the hire of scooters.

“All at the charity are very pleased to be chosen by BHS and together we are busy planning fundraising events to be held in the store over the next year which we are sure customers will enjoy.

“The first will be a raffle this month with BHS vouchers as first prize.

“This year is the 20th anniversary of Shopmobility.

“The charity does not receive any funding from the council, so this opportunity from BHS is greatly appreciated.”

John Roberts, store manager, commented: “We chose Shopmobility as we appreciate just what an essential service they provide to their members, many of which are also our customers who would not be able to come shopping in Bury without this service.

“Staff at BHS are looking forward to raising funds for a worthy charity."

Bury Shopmobility started operating from a small cabin on the edge of the Mill Gate car park in 1993 before moving to Silver Street two years later. Over the years the charity gradually built up its fleet of electronic scooters, electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs.

In 1999, a National Lottery Charities Board grant of £138,600 allowed Bury Shopmobility to transfer to new premises in Minden Parade.