A bus packed with the latest aids, equipment and specialist advice is to visit blind and partially-sighted people in York and North Yorkshire.

The mobile service is run by the national charity Action For Blind People, and is coming to the area next month at the invitation of Vision First, Selby District Vision and York Blind and Partially-Sighted Society.

The bus is custom-built, and features include a wheelchair lift, a small kitchen with simple and inexpensive safety features, and information on tape, in large print and in Braille.

The bus is also linked to the charity's national information centre so visitors can tap into a pool of expertise on the spot.

Mobile co-ordinator Bob Welsh said: "Everyone is welcome to come along to the bus and pick up information and ask us questions.

It will be in Parliament Street, York, on Tuesday May 15; in Selby Market Place on Wednesday, May 16; and in the Britannia car park, Tadcaster, on Thursday, May 17. On each occasion the bus will be present between 10am and 4pm.

Anyone unable to visit it but who has a query can call Action For Blind People's information and advice service on 0207 635 4800.

Updated: 11:45 Wednesday, April 18, 2001