BEACH Wheelchairs, based at North Berwick Harbour, has reopened its hut and is able to offer its services once more.

The charity offers specially designed wheelchairs that allow people with disabilities or those who need to use a wheelchair the chance to enjoy East Lothian’s beaches.

It temporarily closed its hut on March 16 in line with Government guidance at the time as the coronavirus lockdown got under way.

An all-terrain power wheelchair, four manual wheelchairs, a beach walker and a hoist are on offer from the charity.

All equipment is free to hire but those who wish to use the service are asked to book in advance by calling 0300 111 2112, with volunteers then discussing what best suits an individual’s needs.

Beach Wheelchairs is following strict health and safety guidelines to keep its volunteers and customers safe.

All equipment will be thoroughly cleaned between each use and each wheelchair will be left for at least 12 hours between each use.

Volunteers will all be wearing masks and gloves.

The power wheelchair will only be available to those who have used it previously; this is because social distancing means providing safety training will be difficult to do from a two-metre distance.

When using the hoist, people are asked to bring their own sling.

People will have to move and store the wheelchair they hire themselves without the assistance of a volunteer and they are recommended to use the wheelchairs service at quieter times.

It is recommended that two carers are in attendance unless people are confident that one carer can help with no physical assistance from a volunteer.

Those who begin to experience symptoms of coronavirus after using one of the beach wheelchairs are asked to let volunteers know as soon as possible so that the chair can be removed from service for 72 hours.

For more information, visit Beach Wheelchairs on Facebook.