IT was a wheel success for three blind cyclists who pulled on their trainers and helmets for a charity bike ride on tandems.

Debbie Fairclough, 42, Kevin Griffiths, 40, both from Preston and Bob Mills, 70, of Walmer Bridge were under starter's orders on Saturday at Galloway's Society for the Blind, Howick Park Avenue, Penwortham.

The trio, who all attend the charity's social centre, have been training since April for the 30-mile challenge.

With a sighted helper they rode through Longton, Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, and Banks, then returned via Much Hoole, Hutton and back to the starting point.

Debbie, of Manor House Crescent, Holmeslack, lost her eyesight 10 years ago to glaucoma, which affects vision through a build up of pressure on the eyeball.

She has only been cycling for a year and had never ridden 30 miles before.

She said: "I was really looking forward to the ride. The end was the best bit though."

Debbie, mum to Michael, Stephen and Natalie, is no stranger to charity challenges, she has already done the Morecambe Bay walk and plans to walk the length of the Blackpool Illuminations in October.

Debbie, who raised £200 for the charity, said: "I've been friends with Kevin and Bob for four years, since I started going to Galloway's, so I was really pleased to be doing it with them."

"The centre has really helped me so I wanted to do my bit and give something back