An event bringing together disability groups and travel providers is being held in Lowestoft to highlight progress and discuss what improvements can be made.

Extra Travel Needs has been organised by wheelchair user Michael Flounders, a disability awareness campaigner from Fressingfield, along with his partner Elizabeth Moore.

The aim is to make the world of travel easier, by ensuring providers and customers have more of an insight into what is required from both sides.

The seminar is being held at The Hotel Victoria in Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft on Wednesday, March 8 from 10am to 6pm.

Mr Flounders, who started campaigning in 2003, said: 'The overall aim of the day is to give reassurance to people with extra travel needs, that there are facilities in place to assist them to travel both national and international.

'This is an opportunity for companies to also highlight what has been done to accommodate extra needs, giving a positive view over some issues and further workings to improve some of the negative press.

'I've had a couple of bad experiences which made me appreciate how these little issues can be overcome, and there have been a number of issues highlighted in the media recently which I feel really made this event necessary.'

A representative from the Ministry of Transport will open the event, and there will be speakers talking on travel, medication, security, communication, accessible holidays and what to expect at the airport. Companies that provide services to travellers have also been invited.

Mr Flounders said: 'This event is free of charge to give various travel providers and disability groups a relaxed atmosphere to highlight problems in travel, to explore possible solutions and get an insight how to access services that are available.'

The event is open to everyone, with guide and hearing dogs welcome.

People are invited to drop in at any time during the day and any profits will go to charity.

The event is being sponsored by Lowestoft-based businesses, and students from East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston will be helping to run the day.

For more information visit wwwextratravelneeds.com.