A GWENT company offering a vehicle conversion service for disabled drivers has been awarded a business development grant from the Welsh Assembly.

Eclipse Vehicle Adaptions, founded in 1999 by Kim Hannon, a former college lecturer, and Lee Williams, a mechanic, was given £30,000 to help it update its facilities so it can manufacture more equipment for disabled people.

Kim said the company carries out bespoke vehicle conversions at its Blackwood premises for drivers with all kinds of disabilities throughout the UK.

Adaptions include electronic access ramps and seating, power assisted braking and accelerating systems, steering wheel spinners and hand controls. The company also installs dual controls for the disabled into driving tuition vehicles.

The company is an accredited supplier for Motability, the organisation that helps disabled people and their families become more mobile.

Kim said: "Our engineers are highly skilled and we can tailor solutions for all kinds of customers. We are the only Motability accredited company in Wales offering a van conversion service and one of just 11 in the whole of the UK.

"Our work is important because it provides people with freedom from their disabilities. Driving could be a route back into work, or just allow greater independence.

"We understand the needs of the disabled better than most - it is something I live with daily as my husband has a disability.

"We also know the local market inside out and have built up strong relationships with most of the region's car dealerships, although our customer base does stretch beyond Wales into the Midlands and as far south as Plymouth."

Eclipse is one of a number of start-ups based at Imex Enterprise Park on Pengam Road. Kim said: "The location works really well for us. It is easily accessible and there is a great atmosphere on site with all the customers helping each other out."