MORE elderly and disabled people in Hyndburn will be able to benefit from the work of Hyndburn Homewise now that the charity has got two new vans on the road.

The company based on Avenue Parade, Accrington carried out minor repairs for elderly and disabled people in both Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley as well as carrying out safety assessments and security measures, such as smoke detectors, but until recently repair offices had to use their own cars to carry out the work.

Now thanks to three separate grants worth more than £20,000 in total, Hyndburn Homewise has been able to buy two specially adapted Fiat Doblo vans to carry and store essential tools and equipment.

Vital funding has come from Help the Aged, Lancashire County Council Social Services and Ribble Valley Primary Care Group.

Sue Sinclair, manager for Hyndburn Homewise, said: "We are very grateful for this support -- its like Christmas has come early.

"The new vans will be well stocked with good equipment and we will be able to provide a much more responsive service from now on."