STUDENTS, who today complete a unique computer course designed for the blind, have appealed to Wigan and Leigh College bosses for a chance to continue studying together.

Four visually impaired adults on the pilot basic computer and City and Guilds Course course at Leigh's Marshall Street campus fear they could be left high and dry after completing a year on the Action for Blind assisted course.

The classes have ended, but the successful foursome, who wish to advance their learning, have written to the college asking for alternative opportunities.

For mum-of-three Terry Balon, one of the successful students who is registered blind, hi-tech life has begun at 40.

She said: "The courses were designed specifically for visually impaired people.

"When we started, one member didn't even know how to switch on a machine, but we are all made up with what we have achieved and would like to go on.

"We had an amazing tutor provided by Action for Blind - Steve Dawar - and he introduced us to specialist software which magnifies everything.

"We are sad the courses have ended, but have decided to appeal to the college to see if it can help advance our learning together."

Terry, of Woodlands Road, Leigh, suffers from the hereditary condition anaridia nystagmus, and cataracts, which affected her father and grandmother, and has now been passed on to two of her three daughters.

She said: "These courses have changed our lives. New-found knowledge means I shall be able to help my children with IT skills and it will also help get me into the workplace."

"We'd all like to thank Steve from Action for Blind for his invaluable training."

He said: "The courses have really helped to build up the students' confidence and that in itself is a great achievement. I know they want to continue learning together and hope they will be able to."

A college spokesman said: "We have received the students' letter. The course has ended because Action for Blind have shifted their strategy from training and into finding work.

"We wish to continue to support the students and with that fact in mind have planned a meeting on July 6 with vision-impaired governor Derek Hitchen to see what can be done."