I am delighted to recognise and put forward Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

As an island nation, we are very fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful seas and beaches, which are a quintessential part of British life. Sadly, for those with additional mobility needs and profound disabilities, our beaches and seas are often completely inaccessible.

Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs and their incredible team of volunteers provide a unique opportunity to safely access the beach and shallow seas in their specially adapted wheelchairs, allowing those with additional mobility needs a chance to take part in one of the fundamental joys of our coastline with their families and friends.

Not only does the service provide the wheelchairs free to hire, but their dedicated team of volunteers also assist customers and families to walk the beach and dip their toe in the water. Their service and experience is widely recognised and cherished, bringing in visitors to the town from the North West and beyond.

I am extremely proud that this service is available in my constituency area, and I have been happy to support them since they first opened. For their services to the community and some of the most vulnerable members of our society, it is my privilege to put forward Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.