STUDENTS from Eastleigh's Barton Peveril College are being sent on a shopping expedition.

But it is a fact-finding mission that will decide which town centre retailers deserve the accolade of Accessibility Awards.

About 20 students will be taking part and working in small teams and they will start during the week beginning June 21.

They will visit each of the town's 200 shops and retail outlets to assess how well they meet the access needs of people with a walking disability.

The scheme recognises retailers whose efforts ensure that people with a disability can shop in their premises in safety and comfort. Last year 106 town centre retailers received the award.

With the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act, the inspections and awards will this year have a greater significance.

Eastleigh Council's local area committee chairman, Steve Sollitt, said: "The new Act clearly sets out minimum requirements for shops and the council's Accessibility Awards helps retailers recognise these."

He praised the efforts of the town which has gained a reputation for being particularly helpful and friendly. Councillor Sollitt said: "Eastleigh has an excellent track record for making all people welcome to the town.

"This is particularly important for shoppers and visitors who may need to feel that little bit of extra help and this scheme recognises and acknowledges these efforts."

Previously the inspections have been carried out by disabled shoppers although the task has been found to be onerous for some.

Now, the job will be carried out by Eastleigh students under the guidance of wheelchair shoppers.

Project organiser, Jill Dreyer, who is manager of the Eastleigh Shopmobility Scheme, said: "Visiting over 200 premises in the past proved to be hard work for our team of assessors.

"Now they will provide the guidance and expertise for the younger inspection teams and develop the questionnaire that the assessors will use. Our young generation will be working with and sharing some of the difficulties experienced by the elderly and less mobile."

The assessments will be evaluated by the students with the Shopmobility team and their volunteer wheelchair shoppers before the awards this summer.