THE Island's library service has ordered two new vehicles for its mobile and home services, replacing the current ageing vehicles which at 15 years old are increasingly prone to breakdown.

Delivery of the state-of-the-art vehicles which cost £76,000 and £84,000 is expected early next year. Both will be fully accessible to wheelchair-users and have been designed to be flexible for a modern library service.

Features will include books, CDs and videos, an information computer technology facilty including internet access, an exhibition space, a meetings/presentation facility and facilities for private interviews.

Bernie Hawkins, the Island council's community services librarian, said: "People living in rural areas and those who are housebound are entitled to a first-rate library service.

"With 80 mobile library stops around the Island and 350 people visited by the home library, we already reach parts of the community that other services would envy. Now we are looking forward to offering these people a far better service."