The elderly and people with mobility issues will soon be able to walk on the sand and dip their toes in the sea at Sidmouth, if up to £50,000 can be raised for a new beach ramp.

An exciting new project has been launched to design and build an access ramp at Chit Rocks in Sidmouth.

Town resident Dave Rafferty, who is organising the project, said he experienced first hand, as a grandparent, the difficulties of getting onto the sandy beach with pushchairs and toddlers in tow.

Dave has now set a £50,000 target in a bid to pay for the project which has been back by Sidmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council.

NPS South West has also thrown its support behind the project which means the survey and design work can start straight away, and will be funded directly by NPS.

Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub has also agreed to host the project and provide the necessary oversight and banking facilities.

Donations have started to come in and Devon County Councillor Stuart Hughes has already agreed to support the project and has allocated £1,000 from his locality budget.

Dave added: "We are lucky to be fit and active but none the less struggled with the pebbled beach and steep steps.

"In talking with others who were experiencing the same problem we realised this could be easily overcome with a ramp at Chit Rocks.

"It would allow frail elderly people and anyone with mobility problems to once again walk on the sand and dip their toes in the sea.

"The town and district council were approached for initial advice and with support given in principle, the project launched earlier this month.

"A Facebook page and Go Fund Me appeal were set up to start raising funds and awareness.

"There is still a long way to go to raise enough funds for construction costs so if anyone would like to donate or support in any way please get in touch by phone."

The NPS South West spokesperson added: "NPS South West are delighted to support this local initiative and be part of an exciting project to provide a permanent ramp directly onto Chit Rocks sands, providing access for many people who currently struggle or are unable to access and enjoy this lovely beach."

Contact Dave by calling 07977 064498.

Click here to see the latest updates on the Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub Ramp Facebook page.

CLICK HERE to visit the project's Go Fund Me page and to donate.