A PENSIONER who nearly died last year marked her recovery by realising her life-long ambition to swim with dolphins.

And brave Joan Beardwood described the holiday treat, organised by daughter Beverley to mark her 67th birthday, as "a dream come true".

Joan, of Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, said: "I couldn't believe it was really happening, but swimming with dolphins is something I will never forget."

Joan, a genealogist, suffered a major brain haemorrhage last year and spent four weeks in Royal Preston Hospital.

She said: "I nearly died and something like that brings home to you just how precious life really is.

"This was the first time I had been well enough to travel since being ill and Beverley and I went to Malta.

"Beverley asked me if I fancied swimming with the dolphins and then arranged it to coincide with my birthday. It was the best present I have ever had."

Joan, who also has two sons, spent an hour in the seven metre deep dolphin pool during which time she "hitched" a ride on the back of a Black Sea bottle nosed dolphin.

She said: "It was a very special experience for me, but I admit I was a little nervous at first.

"The dolphin was much bigger than I expected, but it was so gentle there was nothing to worry about.

"Swimming with dolphins was something I had always dreamed of and Beverley knew that. It was unforgettable."

The dolphin performed a routine with music playing while Joan was in the pool and at one stage deliberately splashed her with its tail.

She added: "Being so close as this magnificent creature performed its tricks was unbelievable and I am glad I have lots of photographs. I don't think I would believe it really happened if I didn't have the proof."

Daughter Beverley, 33, also of Pleckgate Road, Blackburn, said watching her mum swim with dolphins was an amazing experience.

She said: "The wardens at the marine park showed us how to communicate with the dolphins using hand signals. They made a fuss of my mum and went out of their way to make sure she was comfortable.

"It was amazing to watch her swimming with the dolphins and very moving knowing that her dream was coming true.

"Mum was very ill last year and I didn't think she was going to make it, but we had a great time in Malta and also enjoyed a cruise around the island. It really was a dream holiday."