SWINDON has a new library on wheels.

The borough council's mobile library has replaced its predecessor, which has come to the end of its life after nine years and 48,000 miles.

At midday tomorrow the new library will be launched by Swindon Mayor Mike Bawden at Lawn Community Centre in Guildford Avenue one of the best used stops on its round.

The custom-built vehicle, which carries 3,000 books and audio books, is visited 10,000 times a year by residents who don't live near one of Swindon's 16 local libraries.

The new vehicle cost £100,280 and was custom-built in Bristol on a Mercedes chassis. It has a low-emission engine, and is expected to be in service for the next ten years.

The library is linked by computer to the Swindon Libraries' computerised management system.

It is accessible to wheelchair users and has a hearing induction loop.

The library also has better facilities for the driver who normally operates the vehicle alone including hand washing facilites, a cool box and microwave oven.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said: "This is a fantastic new mobile library which is among the best in the country."

The mobile library serves 50 stops in the borough, including Chiseldon, South Marston, Wanborough, Castle Eaton, Bishopstone, Hinton Parva, Blunsdon, Stanton Fitzwarren and Liddington.