An urgent appeal to raise £35,000 for a new minibus has been launched by a Preston charity.

Galloway's Society for the Blind, based in Penwortham, currently has two roadworthy buses, but director Peter Taylor says they will have to be replaced soon.

"It would be a tragedy if we had to take one or both of the buses off the road and were unable to replace them," he said.

Annually each bus ferries 12,000 passengers, many of whom consider them a lifeline.

"Although the journeys are often quite short, without the buses many blind and visually impaired people tell us they would become prisoners in their own homes," said Mr Taylor.

Recently, following the death of regular minibus user, Dorothy Hedley, from Fulwood, the society was bequeathed £10,000 and was able to kick-start the appeal.

Appeals manager, George Turner, said: "I am sure Dorothy would have been delighted to know this money is being used to launch our appeal, but we need £35,000 to replace just one bus - if we could raise £70,000 and replace them both, that would be even better."

Recently, six members of Shaw Hill Golf Club, Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley, also agreed to run the New York marathon to raise money for the appeal.

Galloway's, based at Howick House, Howick Park Avenue, which supports more than 6,000 local blind and visually impaired people, is asking supporters to organise events such as coffee mornings and bring-and-buy sales to help with the fundraising.

Proceeds from their annual Walk The Lights, through Blackpool's famous illuminations on September 30, will also be put towards the appeal.

Anyone wishing to support the appeal or interested in taking part in the Walking The Lights event should call George on 01772 753706 or 0774 3825 818.