A DULVERTON-based charity is appealing for help to ensure it can continue to provide injured war heroes with the chance to lead more independent and active lives.

The charity Project Mobility 4x4 is the brainchild of Sally Povolotsky and has enabled her to combine her love of Land-Rovers with her admiration for British troops.

With the help of a willing band of volunteers and backing and financial support from well-wishers and local businesses, she spends her spare time converting Land-Rovers into disabled-friendly vehicles.

She set up the charity after hearing about the plight of Lieutenant Corporal Ben Hilton who, two years ago, became the first soldier in the British Army to survive being blown up by two improvised explosive devices.

The Coldstream Guard lost both legs in the blast and faced a bleak future on his return to the UK from Afghanistan.

It also seemed impossible that he would ever be able to behind the wheel of his beloved 4x4 ever again.

"I couldn't imagine how it must feel, not being able to drive your passion.

"Soldiers like Ben are active guys and the idea of them being confined to a wheelchair or invalid carriage is, frankly, insulting," said Sally, pictured with Corporal Hilton.

So having recruited an army of her own - including support from Exmoor-based adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes - Sally set about helping Ben get part of his life back.

A team of volunteers spent their weekends converting a Land-Rover that Ben would be able to drive.

"It was hard work but enormous fun. People and local businesses were incredibly generous, donating parts, money and their time and know-how.

"We worked 18 hour days and it cost around £10,000 in the end but all the hard work paid off when Ben got into the cab and was able to drive away with a huge smile on his face," Sally said.

Project Mobility 4x4 wants to convert more Land-Rovers but desperately need more volunteers to work on the vehicles, fundraisers and donations of both cash and parts.

Sally, who herself is an avid off-road fan, said converting the vehicles was a lot of fun.

"We've been hugely lucky that a lot of local businesses have given us wonderful support - even down to breweries such as Exmoor Ales providing us with liquid refreshment!

"It's not remotely a po-faced charity - we have a blast!" she said.

Supporter Sir Ranulph said the charity's work was helping injured servicemen and women rebuild their lives.

He said: "The stories of our troops' heroism and dedication to their country in the face of adversity makes the mobility and opportunity provided by Project Mobility and its volunteers imperative.

"Hopefully, the adapted Land-Rovers, off-road training and escorted expeditions will empower amputees to embrace their disability and live life to the full."

More information about the charity is available via the website http://www.projectmobility4x4.org">www.projectmobility4x4.org.