DIGGERS moved in at the Age Concern base in Dorchester as work began on a £120,000 project to improve access for disabled people.

Workmen began on an extended road at Rowan Cottage in Prince of Wales Road but also started to create parking spaces for the disabled and a turning circle for cars dropping off older people.

The work was funded by a grant from the Dorset Health Trust and is part of the charity's Jubilee Appeal to boost facilities.

Services will still be running during the 10-day work programme but there may be some temporary access problems.

Chief officer Wendy Hilton said: "This will make a real difference to older people using our services. It is currently quite a walk from the car park for people with mobility problems.

"Some older people have stopped using the lunch club as they cannot walk that far and do not want to be collected from the car park in a wheelchair."

She added: "This new access will enable older people to get into the building independently.

"We are very grateful to the Dorset Health Trust for their generous donation to allow this to happen.

"Most services will be running during the 10 days of work, but access will be restricted."

The charity's Jubilee Appeal is for new disabled toilets, interview rooms, extra lavatories and room for mobility buggies.

Anyone who can help with the appeal is urged to call Age Concern on (01305) 269444.