THE official launch of a new driving assessment centre for people with disabilities has been hailed a huge success.

Health professionals, voluntary organisations and members of the public joined specials guests Sue Rogers from the Department for Transport and quadruple amputee and disability rights campaigner, Helen Dolphin MBE.

The new Wakes Colne suite, in Colchester Road, is one of three East Anglian DriveAbility centres in East Anglia.

The launch event was supported by vehicle adaptation specialists from all over the UK who gave demonstrations on how they could change disabled people's lives.

Mrs Dolphin said: “The event was a great success and a true celebration of driver assessment centres which offer a fantastic service to those with declining mobility.

"In the current economy, people are losing disability allowances and vehicles. This event showcased the best of cost-effective alternatives for staying mobile."

Visit www.eastangliandriveability.org.uk.