PENSIONER Marie O'Flynn received a gift to remember when she celebrated her 61st birthday -- her freedom.

Suffering from emphysema and arthritis, as well as battling cancer took its toll on Marie's health, leaving the once-active grandmother confined to her home, in Gleneagles Court, Shadsworth, Blackburn.

But thanks to her friends, the Blackburn Ladies Circle and Accrington firm ELAP engineering, in Ford Street, Marie is now looking forward to the great outdoors again after she was presented with an electric scooter.

Marie, who lost her husband John 12 years ago when they lived in Dunoon Drive Shadsworth, said: "It's marvellous, I really can't thank them enough.

"I would be stuck in this house if I hadn't got this scooter but now I can go out again."

Marie's plight was first noticed by Janet Walkden, a fellow patient battling against cancer.

Marie had told 52-year-old Janet how she had applied for a disability scooter and was told she was on a waiting list -- which was four years long.

Janet, an honorary member of the Darwen Ladies' Circle, took the issue on board, and after months of negotiations with members of the Blackburn 318 Ladies' Circle and bosses at ELAP finally managed to resolve Marie's plight.

On Thursday Janet was joined by circle members, and friends and family of Marie to hand over the £950 electric scooter.

Janet, who lives in Darwen, said: "It is very satisfying to be part of a group that can make a contribution to the quality of someone's life."

Marie said the scooter will mean she can spend time outside with her five grandchildren.