A DORCHESTER wheelchair user who has been working for months on a tourist guide for the disabled is making a last-ditch appeal for help after he was let down by a publisher.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Peter Watts, 44, from Heathcote Close, has already had a booklet called Smooth-guides published, which details the accessibility of popular attractions in the South West.

But after carrying out most of the research for a more wide-ranging guide book for those in wheelchairs or with mobility problems, he was told his work would not be published.

Mr Watts said: "About 2,000 copies of the Smooth-guides booklet have been produced already and places like tourist information centres who supply them are always ringing up for more.

"I thought a further book was warranted, so I contacted publishers to see if I could find someone who would agree to produce a book, along the same lines as the tourist guide books for the able-bodied."

Mr Watts says that Wimborne-based publishers Dovecote Press were initially interested in the scheme, but after he had spent this summer visiting almost all the towns in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, he was told they were no longer able to help.

The book required around three months of research as it covers a wider area than the first booklet, which was partly funded by a lottery grant.

The new book would not only provide information on tourist attractions, it also comments on accessible accommodation - shops, restaurants and cafs, car parks, entertainment and so on.

Mr Watts is now looking for either another publisher or financial assistance from anyone interested in providing services for the disabled.

Peter said: "It beggars belief that with 8.5 million registered disabled that if you look in any newsagent or book shop selling tourist books that no publication is available for wheelchair users.

"It looks like I might have to scrap it, but I thought I could give it one last go."

David Burnett, of Dovecote Press, said: "I said to Mr Watts that we would do our very best to help, but unfortunately we couldn't work out a way to make it work.

"We are only a small, local firm and I think Mr Watts was wanting something that would reach a larger market."