A TIVERTON woman who suffered back injuries in a motorway accident 12 months ago has praised the town's initiatives for the disabled, such as the Big Shop, which took place recently.

Pam Dale, 54, had to give up her toy stall in Tiverton pannier market and an internet auction venture following the accident on the M25 last Christmas.

Pam was one of around a dozen people with mobility difficulties who were paired up with volunteers to help them by carrying bags, opening doors and providing some friendly company at the Big Shop on December 12.

Pam said her life had changed dramatically since the accident. Now she does her shopping every Tuesday using an electric mobility scooter supplied by Tiverton and District Shopmobility, based in the multi-storey car park.

Pam said: "I used to have to be pushed around in a wheelchair, but in September I started using a mobility scooter. I was a bit nervous about using one at first, but they gave me full training."

Pam said that while some shops had designated staff to help those having difficulty getting around, others seemed to have given less thought to the needs of disabled customers.

"Most shops are very good, but one or two could do better," she said. "The worst offenders are shops with narrow aisles and cardboard displays all over the place."

Pam said she would recommend the Big Shop to anyone with mobility problems.

"I was out for about five hours and I got everything I wanted." she said. "The two volunteers who helped me were fantastic."

And Pam was also full of praise for the work of Shopmobility and Tiverton and District Community Transport, whose voluntary car scheme she also took advantage of to access hospital appointments.

"My first experience of Shopmobility was when my mother needed a wheelchair.

"They can help give you a new lease of life."

The Big Shop was organised by Tiverton and Cullompton Volunteer Centre and Tiverton Community Transport Association in partnership with a number of local organisations.

Sue Snell, co-ordinator for the Tiverton and Cullompton Volunteer Centre, said the event was a good example of the voluntary sector working together with local authorities and businesses.

Sue said: "Lots of people came to the Big Shop from other parts of the county such as Okehampton and Exeter because they had heard about the event and I think some people tend to overlook how much can potentially be spent by people when they get a chance to shop without the normal obstacles they face. I know, for example, that one couple from Exeter spent £1,000 on the High Street."