An Aviemore respite centre has taken delivery of a brand-new special kart for its disabled visitors, thanks to the staff's pedal power.

Children visiting the Badaguish Centre at Rothiemurchus will now be able to enjoy driving around in a 'Supakart' which the centre has just purchased.

The versatile piece of equipment has numerous adjustable features and accessories to enable physically disabled youngsters to go karting around the centre's grounds.

A team of 26 members of staff and their friends raised the money towards the £1,000 kart during a two-day bike trip earlier this year. They cycled 90 miles along the Rob Roy Way, from Drymen by Loch Lomond to Pitlochry. In total £3000 was raised to purchase the new kart and other vital equipment.

Centre events organiser Paul Corrigan said:

"We are all sincerely grateful to the Bouncy Bike Team for their superb efforts, continuing support and incredible sponsorship which allows us to buy such important equipment. Hopefully their 'sore cycle bottomrs' will all have recovered by next May for the 2005 event!"

The Badaguish Centre provides activity holidays and respite care breaks for children and adults with special needs from all over the Highlands and throughout the UK.