A WIRRAL day centre for people with special needs is appealing for Globe readers to help raise funds for a specially-adapted bike.

Eastham Centre currently borrows a "Velo Plus" wheelchair/bike from Lyndale School once a week, allowing severely disabled users to take part in a weekly ride.

But Lyndale's future is unclear and it could face closure, putting the bike's future loan in jeopardy.

So the race is on to raise money to buy the centre’s own.

The machine is fitted with two gas-filled pumps to help power it, and a ramp at the front for a wheelchair.

The total cost is £4,500, but thanks to donations from Eastham-based company Carmet Tug and supporter Geoffrey Mortimer, £2,019 has so far been raised.

In an appeal to Globe readers, the centre's deputy manager Suanne Price said: "We need your help to raise money for this bike, which brings a lot of pleasure and joy to many of our users at the centre and allows them to join in the activities like the weekly ride.

“It encourages social inclusion and interaction.

"We need donations or sponsorship of any kind, which would be greatly appreciated before we can buy one of these bikes.

"The support we've had so far has been fantastic and we hope it will inspire others to help our cause."

Carmet Tug’s managing director Brett Metcalfe said: "I was delighted to be able to help a local charity."

The centre, in Eastham Rake, opened in 1985 and is currently used by people aged 19 to 80 with a range of disabilities.

Among those attending is Colin Williams' son Andrew, who will benefit from the bike.

Mr Williams, from Tranmere, told the Globe: "It's the staff here who make the effort to go and borrow the bike from Lyndale once a week.

“It's a wonderful thing to do and shows their total commitment.”

To help the fundraising effort, call Suanne Price or Adele Babb on 0151 327 4348.