ENTRIES have opened for Newton Abbot’s annual Shopmobility Challenge which takes place next week.

The free event, ­organised by the town’s community transport association, allows able-bodied ­people to sample life from the seat of a mobility scooter.

Participants spend 45 minutes travelling through the town on a mission to see just how user friendly – or not – the area is.

En route they will answer questions and collect items from shops, finding out the physical barriers ­people in mobility scooters face.

Businesses and organisations are being invited to put forward an employee to take on the challenge and have a go at bagging a ­trophy.

Kay Yendall, the association’s manager, said: ‘Just set aside 45 minutes on August 16, it is a really ­worthwhile investment in your staff and our town as a whole.

‘At the same time

it is also quite ­lighthearted, so contact us on 01626 335775 for your time slot and take up the challenge!’

Previous winners include Wollen ­Michelmore, Subway, B&Q, Stardust and Thorntons.