YOUNG Jessica Potts was the inspiration behind a 16-mile canalside sponsored walk which raised £1,452 for charity.

The seven-year-old, who was born with an arm deficiency, collected a cheque from workers at ICI Orchard House, Darwen, on behalf of REACH - for children with hand and arm deficiencies.

Her father, Mick Potts, of Chapels, Darwen, works for the company and was delighted when colleagues decided to stage the event.

More than 30 people completed the route which set off from Blackburn and took in Wheelton before returning.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.