Gadgets on Q

And the makers have ingenuity and technical skills every bit as impressive as the boffins behind the double agent.

Every job presents a fresh challenge, a hazard to avoid, an obstacle to overcome.

And the difference the gadgets make to the lives of those using them is ample reward for the graft and thought that goes into them.

The technical wizards are all members of Remap, a charity making aids which help disabled people in their daily lives within their own homes or in care homes.

And at St Bridget s Cheshire Home, Rustington, members of the Remap Panel covering this area, Chichester and Worthing, displayed their work to MP Tim Loughton.

The one-off aids are specially made because standard commercial equipment is not suitable.

Examples at St Bridget s included a modified chin switch, giving the user better control when driving an electric wheelchair, and alterations to bed rails, enabling a resident to move them herself from her wheelchair.

They were among 142 devices made by the panel one of more than 100 similar groups around the country during the past year. Others have included an exercise frame specified by a physiotherapist, so the user could train at home and make fewer hospital visits.

Occupational therapist at St Bridget s, Clare Gelnar, has co-operated with the panel over the design of aids for the home s residents.

No charge is made for the devices as costs are met from donations.

Panel chairman John Totton, of Barnham, said Mr Loughton was fascinated to learn about the many technical aids made by the Remap group, for disabled people of all ages.

More could be done, with extra pairs of skilled hands. Said Mr Totton: "The panel is few in numbers and the members are ageing, so one or two more volunteers keen on a technical challenge would be welcome to join us."

For more information, contact Mr Totton, telephone 01243 552290.