ARTHRITIS sufferers are being given a timely reminder that there is a hotel catering for their needs right on their doorstep.

The New Mayfair on Blackpool's New South Promenade is using Arthritis Awareness Week, which ends on Saturday (May 1), to show just how unique it is from other hotels on the seafront.

According to statistics revealed for the week, eight million people suffer from the condition which affects various parts of the body in varying degrees.

And the young can suffer just as much as the old. In recognition of this, the New Mayfair has opted to run special family weeks designed for younger guests.

Useful facilities include an automatic entrance door, wheelchair ramp, ramps and rails, showers with seats, even specially designed crockery and taps.

The chairs are also different heights so each guest can sit down comfortably.

Carers are also encouraged to stay with L-shaped rooms for added privacy and there are also two specially adapted minibuses for day trips.

Acting manager Alan Robertson says the family atmosphere has led to people coming back for a return visit.

"It's one of our strengths," he said. "We make people feel at home and absolutely everything is catered for. This is a hotel, not a nursing home by the sea and guests take advantage of the fact that this is Blackpool, Britain's best holiday resort.

"Although many of our guests belong to the older generation, we are beginning to attract younger guests who recognise the benefits of staying in a custom-designed hotel with luxury facilities."

For details call the hotel on (01253) 347543.

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