HOW very disappointed a lot of people were after completing the nine-mile walk in aid of the Magic Eye Appeal.

On returning "triumphant" to Blackburn College, my daughter and I and a lot of other weary walkers looked in disbelief as we saw the college reception area locked and in darkness.

It appears that nobody on the committee actually cared whether we did the walk or not, so much so, that our certificates for completing the walk were handed out to us before we even set off!

Not one person could be bothered to wait and welcome the weary walkers back, if only to say well done!

Instead people just drifted off home, tired and feeling a little bit deflated and disappointed.

JULIE FARRER, Selous Road, Witton, Blackburn.

IAN Woolley, chairman of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Healthcare Trust, organisers of the appeal, said: "I apologise if anyone was upset by the way the walks were organised and run.

"We relied heavily on volunteers to give up vast amounts of their time before and during the day to ensure these events passed off successfully.

"In some cases, helpers did not stay at the start/finish point until all walkers had returned, but it was felt that this was acceptable, providing walkers were told that this would be the case.

"I am sorry if this did not happen in all cases, but everybody can take great credit for the wonderful spirit in which the walks were completed and the large amount of money raised for what is a wonderful cause."