Martin's mobility scooter is the sleigh to go
Martin Davies has found a novel use for his mobility scooter – by turning it into Santa's sleigh.
The 55-year-old has transformed the vehicle with red wooden panels and silver tinsel and is whipping up the Christmas spirit by driving around Smethwick and greeting shoppers.
The former long-distance lorry driver was inspired by the hard work put into creating a festive grotto for youngsters at his local pub, the Samba Lounge, in Bearwood.
He decided to use the scooter to encourage youngsters to visit the grotto.
With the help of landlord Dave Oakes at the pub, in Three Shires Oak Road, red plywood panels were fitted to the vehicle, complete with a door, wreath and tinsel to transform it into Santa's sleigh. The panels can be removed easily from the scooter. Mr Oakes provided the wood and cut out the shape, painting it in his spare time.
The electric sleigh or Pride scooter reaches a maximum of 6mph, and although it takes four hours to charge up, can travel for up to 10 miles. Mr
Davies, of Hagley Road, who started using a scooter after falling ill around four years ago, said: "It was lovely to see everyone so festive in the pub, and I just wanted to help out."
Landlady at the Samba Lounge, Maxine Oakes, aged 41, said: "It's so much fun."
