MOBILITY company Ableworld has launched a new showroom in Southampton.

The store, owned by businessmen Jeff Newman, Steven Thompson and Chris Hewitt, is now open in Portsmouth Road, Woolston.

It stocks a wide range of products, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds and rise and recline chairs.

The new store invited members of the public in for food and drinks to mark its launch.

Guests were also able to try out some of the products the store sells.

Mr Newman has more than 35 years’ experience in retail, construction and hospitality, and won the southern area milkman of the year accolade in 2008.

Mr Thompson and Mr Hewitt bring their skills from the construction and mechanical engineering areas into the business.

All three directors have undertaken Ableworld’s training programme to assess customers correctly and provide the right solutions for the varity of customer’s needs they will face.

Mr Newman said: “Having had daily contact with elderly and disabled customers in my previous occupation I witnessed several fall injuries and mobility complaints.

“With our store having good parking and being on several main bus routes I believe our highly visible and accessible superstore on Portsmouth Road, opposite the bus station, will fill a gap in the market and serve as a welcome benefit to the community.”