AGE or disability should prove no barrier when people shop in Swindon's Asda Wal-Mart.

And to prove it the store in the Orbital Shopping Park invited members of The Swindon Coalition of Disabled People and Swindon Coalition of Older People to sample their facilities.

In addition to a fleet of nine electric wheelchairs, the store has just invested in equipment to help visually impaired people.

Chairwoman of the Swindon Coalition of Disabled People Sharyn O'Byrne, 52, from Stratton St Margaret, said: "The wheelchairs here are fantastic. The staff make every effort to make life easier for us."

She also assessed the magnifying glasses designed to help shoppers read the small print on product labels.

"On flat items they were very effective. But for me the lenses were not strong when looking at tins," she added.

Last month The Evening Advertiser investigated the range of services available in supermarkets for disabled people.

Wheelchair user William Clark was impressed with the facilities, which include eight different types of aids ranging from electric and manual wheelchairs to clip on trolleys.

Chairwoman of the Swindon Coalition of Older People Daphne Bampton, from Chiseldon, was also pleased with the facilities.

She said: "They are very useful. But perhaps the store should put up signs to let people know the equipment is available."

The equipment includes special gripping devices for pens to help people write with a shaking wrist and also cheque signing guides.

Joyce Arthur, events coordinator at ASDA Wal-Mart, said: "We try to make shopping as easy as possible for everyone. The facilities seem to have been well received and I have taken note of their feedback."