A YOUTH worker faces an anxious wait to discover whether an operation to save his eyesight has been successful.

Graham Helm, 33, of Laurel Street, Bacup, is hoping the emergency procedure he had at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital will work so he can conduct at a pinnacle concert of the 2nd Rossendale St John's Scout Band.

The conductor, and youth worker with Blackburn with Darwen Council, lost sight in his left eye after three operations to re-attach his retina failed.

He suffered with allergic conjunctivitis from the age of eight, which later led to a cataract operation when he was 17.

He is currently recovering from the operation at his parents' home in Bacup, after spending 12 days lying perfectly still in bed so as not to disturb a gas bubble which was putting pressure on the retina.

The trombonist hopes he will still be able to conduct the Scout concert on March 8, which will feature the Black Dyke Band at Bacup's Royal Court Theatre.

He said: "If I lost my sight it would be the simple things that would matter - not seeing my friends smile again and things like that.

"I've got to be confident and positive now."

He will have his progress checked by a consultant on Monday.