Horningtops resident Ged Austin has taken a new direction in life since losing his job about 16 months ago, following 15 years working in the motor trade.
Now, instead of tuning up engines, he is making special trolleys for youngsters aged between two and five who find mobility a problem.
The trolleys, called mobility chariots, allow the children to move around their homes by wheeling themselves, rather than dragging themselves along the floor. Ged, of Tresulgan Cottage, said: 'Apart from the obvious advantage of mobility, it also teaches them hand eye co-ordination as they are basically a miniature wheelchair.'
An accident two years ago meant Ged could no longer carry out the continuous heavy lifting expected in the motor trade and had to find a new outlet.
As woodwork and carpentry had been his hobby for about 20 years he decided to attend St Loyes college in Exeter studying hand-crafted furniture making.
He initially heard about the specialised SHASBAH small wooden carts in a women's magazine when an appeal was made for them, as production had been stopped in the 70s.
The appeal had been made by Tony Briton, who Ged contacted after deciding that maybe he could resume production of them.
Mr Briton is now to advertise their renewed existence in the special magazine for those suffering from spina bifida - and for each mobility chariot sold Ged will make a donation to the charity chosen by the purchaser.
Ged said: 'I have made a concerted effort to keep the price as low as possible to ensure most families who have a disabled child will be able to afford the mobility chariot.
At the moment the chariots are priced at £150, including postage and packing, anywhere in the country. This equates to about a tenth of the price of a conventional wheelchair.'
Further information about the chariots can be obtained by telephoning 01503 240529 or via the Internet on [email protected]">[email protected]d is pictured above with one of his chariots.
Photo: David Hambly, Liskeard