A new monthly disability supplement has been launched by the Southern Daily Echo.

The first issue of Access All Areas hit the streets this week, and has already been hailed by readers as "one of the best things the Echo has ever done".

Edited by senior feature writer Vicky Green-Steel, the in-paper publication covers issues which affect disabled people, as well as their friends and family, with an emphasis on positive news stories.

The first issue has eight pages of general news and features, jobs, entertainment, motoring and sport, and Vicki hopes that the supplement will grow in size as it becomes more established.

She said: "We've had a really good response from readers so far, and I've had a letter which said it is one of the best things the Echo has ever done, which I'm really pleased about.

"Since the idea came about last November I've had to learn a lot, particularly about the language used, but I've had a lot of support and guidance from local disability groups and it has been a learning curve for me."