Blind and visually impaired people got a thrilling feeling of freedom behind the wheel of a car.

The annual Blind Driving event held by Galloway's Society for the Blind at the BAE Systems site in Samlesbury saw more than 60 blind and visually impaired people take up the chance to experience driving and reach speeds not allowed on public roads.

They drove a dual-controlled car aided by a driving instructor or rode in a fire engine, police car or pillion on a motorbike.

Chloe McLean, 15, from Bolton Road, Darwen, who had just finished her last GCSE at Darwen Moorland High School the same day, said: "The police car was really good because we went at up to 110mph. We had the sirens on as well. We were being really noisy. It's like you're about to take off. You just feel free.

"My favourite was the normal car where I got to drive at 65mph.

"Hopefully I will be able to drive in the future. I've been told I will so I'm looking forward to that."

Chloe, a member of Blackburn and District Blind Society, suffers from high myopia and has to wear corrective glasses but hopes to have permanent contact lenses when her eyes stop growing at around the age of 19.

It is the 15th time the event has been held at BAE Systems where the clear wide runway gives people a chance to drive, and drive without fear, sometimes chased by the emergency services complete with wailing sirens.

Bob Keyburn, works administrator for BAE Systems, said: "It's a fantastic event and, as far as we know, the only one of its kind in the world because we have the emergency services here and it's free as well."

Steve Rayner, 49, from Lancaster, was a passenger in a Renault Modus which reached 94mph.

He said: "I used to drive when I was younger and it's great to get that thrill knowing you are not going to hit anything, that you are in safe hands. They must be mad to let us in the cars but I've nothing but gratitude for them. I absolutely look forward to it.

"It's a sense of freedom. I'm going to be coming here every year as long as they run it."

Kevin Lonergan, of Galloway's Society for the Blind, said: "We organise mountain climbing and canoeing and things like this and it gives them confidence."

And although numbers were down on previous years those taking part were not complaining as they had more rides.

Tony Kimpton, 55, from Lancaster said: "I have been registered blind from birth and I've never been able to drive so to come along and have that chance is a great thrill, great fun."

Ron Cullen, from Chorley-based South Lancashire Advanced Motorcyclists , was at the event with his colleagues to give people the chance to ride a motorbike.

He said: "Most of them want to do 100mph from the children - we had a nine-year-old boy - to elderly ladies.

"I can't believe the nerves of these people and we see the same ones coming back again and again every year."

The next event being run by the society is a walk across Morecambe sands on June 23 and 24. Telephone 01772 744148 to join in.