AGE Concern Swindon has won a lottery grant that will enable it to move to accessible offices in the centre of town.

The charity has been awarded £70,284 from the lottery's Community Fund towards refurbishing and equipping premises that disabled people will have full access to.

Currently they have a hard time visiting the centre in Milton Road because of steps leading to the front door.

The charity estimates that with a fully accessible office an extra 1,400 people a year will be able to call in. At least 14,000 people contact Age Concern Swindon every year but the steps have prevented many from calling in person.

This is the third time the charity, based in Milton Road, has bid for the funding and the move is planned within the next six months.

Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon said: "We are grateful to the Community Fund for this grant. The search is now on for suitable premises to refurbish with the grant and then afford to pay the rent and running costs, which are not covered by it.

"We intend to remain within the centre of Swindon."