ELEVEN people from local businesses and organisations put their skills to the test as the sixth annual Shopmobility Challenge got under way.

The event, organised by volunteers from the Newton Abbot Community Transport Association, gave able-bodied people a chance to sample life from the seat of a mobility scooter.

The participants made their way around Newton Abbot town centre, answering questions, collecting items from shops, negotiating pavements narrowed by scaffolding, using dropped kerbs, lifts and avoiding pedestrians.

Entrants were awarded points for correct answers and penalties were dished out.

The mayor of the town, Cllr Liz Roberts, and deputy mayor Ann Jones, represented the town council, and Wollen Michelmore were crowned champions.

Other businesses which entered included The Union Inn, Smirthwaite Ltd and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.

Kay Yendall, manager of the association, said: ‘All participants enjoyed the challenge and found it really worthwhile.

‘In just 45 minutes perceptions were changed forever.’