A MAN with learning difficulties will have a new lease of life thanks to the donation of an electric-powered bicycle he had spent months saving for.

Colin Wallis, who lives in Mencap sheltered housing in Worcester, had relied on old-fashioned pedal power and public transport for work, to meet family and to attend Pershore College.

The 50-year-old, who cannot drive, felt a battery-powered bike would give him greater independence.

He had saved up for the £350 cost of the bike by working four hours a week at a supermarket.

But when his one-to-one key worker, Mike Tandy, approached Thompsons Discount Electrical in CrownGate to explain the situation, the company offered him the vehicle for free.

John Irwin, the manager of the sheltered centre where Colin lives, said the act was a massive boost for him.

Community spirit

"It was extremely good community spirit from the company," he said.

Colin was doing well, he was getting around on his pedal bike and public transport. But this should give him even greater independence and allow him to see his family more regularly."

His new bike, which can reach a top speed of 15mph, can clock up nearly 30 miles on one charge. As it is classed as a pedal vehicle, it doesn't need insurance or a license.

"When we heard Colin's story we realised he had been saving for months, so we thought it would be nice to donate a bike to him," said Carl Thompson, director of Thompsons Discount Electrical.

"Hopefully, this will make a real difference to his life, and help him to see family and friends and get to work far easier."

Mr Wallis described his new bike as "brilliant". He is currently studying for a vocational certificate in horticulture at Pershore College.