A well-used medical equipment loan service in North Somerset is to close in the new year.

Bosses at the Red Cross have decided to cease the service, which runs from its hall in Backwell, from January 27 next year.

The service, which has been running for around 25 years and loans out equipment such as commodes and wheelchairs to the disabled and elderly for free, will now be centralised and run from the Red Cross HQ in Wootton Bassett, near Swindon.

People can visit the hall just off Station Road each Tuesday between 10am and noon to collect items, but soon they will have to ring the HQ to order them, to be delivered to and collected from the person at home for a charge of £10.

Volunteers who run the weekly service have been handing out letters to customers detailing the changes when they visit the centre.

Valerie Wembridge, who runs the service each week, said local Red Cross members were upset the loan initiative was going to stop running from the hall.

Mrs Wembridge said: "It is very sad that the service will no longer be run from the village as it has been based here for around 25 years.

"It is a free and a much relied upon service.

"It seems as if all our services here are being taken away and the only thing which remains for Red Cross members to do in the village is fundraise.

"A lot of elderly residents rely on this service and we cover the whole of North Somerset as well as helping many people in south Bristol."

Paul Witts, aged 62, from Clevedon, recently went to the centre to borrow a wheelchair for his wife, who had hurt her ankle.

Mr Witts said: "I am disappointed that it is closing down in Backwell.

"It is very handy for people, especially the elderly or disabled.

"I have used it in the past, to borrow items for my elderly mother when she was alive."

Another customer, who did not want to be named, said: "This has always been a totally free service.

"It is used by a lot of elderly and disabled people, many who are on fixed incomes and may find it difficult to pay the delivery and collection charge, especially if they need different items delivered regularly."

Anyone wanting to loan a piece of equipment should ring 01793 853723 for more information and advice.