Sand and sea are no longer out of bounds for wheelchair users in the Spanish resort of Benidorm, where part of the busy Levante beach has been adapted to make access easier.

Under a local government initiative, another 23 beaches in Spain's Valencia region will this summer follow Benidorm's lead.

The service, which is free, means disabled beachgoers can go for a dip in a specially adapted wheelchair, helped by a monitor.

Part of the beach is set aside for wheelchair access, with a wooden ramp leading to a platform with sunbathing and changing facilities.

A large proportion of the 1.5 million UK tourists going to the year-round resort every year are elderly and would benefit from the initiative, the Spanish believe. Two years ago, the three-kilometre promenade along Benidorm's beach was refurbished, making wheelchair access easier.

Hotels in the area have also recently add facilities for wheelchair users.

John Stanford, editor of the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation's travel guide, said: 'Going to the beach is one thing disabled people miss out on.

'All resorts should be looking to see what they can do to improve accessibility to their beaches.'