YOUNG disabled children got to enjoy a fun family day out in wheelchairs loaned to them at Paultons Park them park.

The children, age one to five, were invited along free of charge to meet other children like them and give parents the chance to talk with others who are caring for a child with a disability.

They got to meet the characters from Peppa Pig World and have fun on many of the rides and activities that the park has to offer.

Many of the children were unable to walk unaided so charity Designability gave them all a Wizzybug powered wheelchair to help them get around the park.

Powered mobility equipment is costly to buy and is not generally available through the NHS for children under five.

Designability designed and manufactured the Wizzybug several years ago and continue to build each one in their small workshop in Bath to offer to families free of charge.

Fiona Cromwell, marketing and fundraising officer at Designability, said: “Our Wizzybug Loan Scheme gives very young children the chance to experience their first wheels.

“Wizzybugs were designed with children in mind and give them the opportunity to play more freely with their friends and family. We are forever told how valuable they are in helping them to learn vital movement skills, spatial awareness and a taste of independence.

“Thanks to the generosity of Paultons Park, we’ve been able to extend our support to enable the families to socialise together and support one another.”

Rob Griffiths, head of marketing and communications of Paultons Park, said: “We are aware of the great work Designability offers at transforming lives of people with a disability.

“Every child deserves to experience the joy Paultons Park can bring, we were keen to show our support and offer families a day out.”

Martine McArthur, from Portsmouth, was there with her daughter Daisy, four, who has cerebral palsy: “It’s great that Daisy has had the chance to meet others using a Wizzybug. To see other boys and girls using one makes Daisy feel ‘normal’ when she often feels like the odd one out.”

“We are so grateful to have been given the chance to visit the park and the staff have been really fantastic.”

Wizzybugs can be loaned out to families with disabled children from Designability for as long as they need.