THE dream of a mother-of-two who had polio as a child will come true thanks to the Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show.

Carolyn Wolstenholme, 55, of Laneside, Haslingden, has always dreamed of riding a motorbike but has never had the chance.

But on September 26 she will take pride of place atop a Harley Davidson riding pillion in the ride-in to Rawtenstall Town Centre which heralds the start of Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show.

And playing Jimmy Savile for the day is the bike show's own 'fix it" volunteer co-ordinator Susan Troughton, of Loveclough.

Last year Carolyn wrote to the bike show asking if the North East Lancashire group of the British Polio Fellowship could benefit from money raised at the show, but because there were so many requests it could only give money to organisations and good causes who had helped with staging the mammoth event.

So this year Carolyn, who is leader of the polio group, and her members have offered to help out on the day as volunteers.

And while she was chatting to Susan she briefly mentioned her dream.

Said Carolyn: "In the '60s I remember all the lads having mod bikes and I thought they were wonderful but I never got the chance to ride on one.

"I mentioned this to Susan and said I always dreamed of riding a Harley - the next thing I knew she had organised it for me!"

Susan said: "I am a believer that if people volunteer to help I will find a way that they can and the volunteers I need to help the bike show run smoothly do not have to be men - nor do they have to look like bouncers!

"I was delighted to be able to organise it so that her dream will be able to come true.

"Now I am looking for more people to come forward to volunteer their time to be volunteers and marshals.

"I need to have at least 200 marshals and 150 volunteers who will be responsible for diverting traffic, helping to set the show up and helping visitors."

Anyone who can help the show - which last year attracted 35,000 people to the town and donated £10,000 to charity - can contact Susan on 01706 215356.

The polio group meets at the Oakenhead Day Centre, Haslingden Old Road, Rawtenstall, and will be meeting on September 24. The group has also organised a casino night at St Veronica's Church Hall, Helmshore, on September 10 at 7.30pm and tickets are available from 01706 226837.

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