A SPECIALLY-ADAPTED taxi is helping to keep disabled cabbie Allan Wells in the driving seat after more than a quarter of a century at the wheel.

Allan has taken delivery of the new automatic Silver specification, silver coloured TXII, which has been fitted with hand controls to the steering wheel for braking and acceleration.

After a boyhood accident, Allan has had a number of operations on his legs which have left him unable to use a standard pedal-operated vehicle.

This is the fourth purpose-built taxi he has purchased through LTI Vehicles' Birmingham main dealer, Mann & Overton. It has also been fitted with a special seat to allow Allan more room to keep his legs in a comfortable position when driving.

It is one of around 100 purpose-built taxis in Swindon which make up about three-quarters of the town's Hackney Carriage fleet. Allan said: "Without the hand controls and different seat I would not be able to earn my living as a taxi driver and I'm once again grateful to Mann & Overton for providing me with a vehicle adapted to my exact needs.

"Passengers in Swindon seem to prefer purpose-built taxis, especially the newer TX models, and on several occasions I have noticed people hang back in the queue at ranks to ensure they get my vehicle."

Roger Bull, general manager at Mann & Overton Birmingham, said: "Allan is a long-standing and loyal customer and we were delighted to be asked to adapt a vehicle for him once again."