Teenager Emily Woodward has got a new set of wheels after she was given a state-of-the-art Topan Powerchair.

The 16-year-old, of Wigmore, Luton, became the proud owner of the new electric wheelchair after the Variety Club Children's Charity gave it to her for free, as part of its Easy Riders Wheelchairs For Kids campaign.

Emily, who suffers with a condition called Ataxia Telangiectasia, said: "I love my new wheelchair. It gives me independence to go where I want to go. I would advise anyone up to the age of 19 who needs a wheelchair to contact the Variety Club for help with funding towards a wheelchair to gain independence which is rightfully theirs."

Since 1988, the Variety Club Children's Charity has supported disabled children on the road to independence through the Easy Riders Wheelchairs For Kids scheme.

The children's charity is urging more disabled children and their families to apply for free equipment.

All applications must be accompanied by a letter from a qualified occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

For more information contact Variety's Easy Riders team on 020 7428 8100 or email wheelchairs@varietyclub.org.uk