An Ealing transport service that helps people with mobility difficulties will take its 10,000th spectator to the Rugby World Cup on Saturday (October 31).

Ealing Community Transport, which began in 1979, has been providing accessible transport on match days throughout the tournament.

During the tournament so far ECT has helped spectators make 9,400 journeys, including 917 featuring 55 wheelchair users on its busiest day, October 25, when Australia overcame Argentina.

Now for the final, where New Zealand will face off against rivals Australia, ECT anticipate it will help its 10,000th spectator make it to the game.

Shuttle bus user, Julia Lock, said: “I suffer from severe asthma and had been very concerned about the walk to Twickenham as exercise exacerbates it.

"I had not been aware of the availability of the service and by the time I got from the car to the Park and Ride area I was very wheezy.

"One of your accessible shuttle drivers invited us to use the service which was a lifesaver for me.

"Everyone was incredibly lovely and welcoming. Your service made my day, as without your help I would have been too unwell to have enjoyed the game.”

For the Rugby World Cup 2015, ECT have been providing a shuttle service, to Twickenham and the Olympic Park, tailored to the needs of people who suffer from mobility difficulties.

ECT also ran a similar service for the Olympic and Paralympics during London 2012, as well as the Invictus Games.

Project manager Diane Morgan said the service was a huge hit because passengers, who suffer from mobility difficulty, are already "tired" by the time they reach their destination after travelling by public bus.

But she spoke of the relief these passengers feel when they are offered alternative transport.

She added: “We have been particularly busy and we are seeing passengers who are already tired arriving by public transport.

"You can see the relief on their faces when they realise we are waiting to take them right to the stadium for the final part of their journey.”

CEO of ECT, Anna Whitty, said the success of the service for the World Cup had done a great job of improving awareness of the need for alternative transports.

She added: "Our accessible shuttles are an important part of transport provision for spectators.

"I am very proud of the difference we are making to our customers World Cup experience, bringing them right up to the stadium inside the road closures.

"We are raising the profile of community transport and accessibility which will be part of the tournament’s lasting legacy."