A north London wheelchair user is to lead a group of disabled youngsters on their first trip to Israel.

Lerona Gelb, 27, will take charge of a tour of 15 18-26-year-old American and Canadians and their carers next week as part of the Birthright No Limits scheme. It offers a 10-day programme for first-time visitors with physical disabilities.

Ms Gelb is programme support officer at UJIA's Israel Experience. She has been in a wheelchair since a car accident when she was five.

"I have always wanted to take a Birthright group," she said.

"I've seen the impact these trips have on the participants and when I was asked to take part, I jumped at the chance.

"The itinerary is the same as for other Birthright trips. We'll just have to check the accessibility of all the places beforehand. It's brilliant that a trip has been organised for people with disabilities."