A COURAGEOUS blind pensioner is hoping for a "wheelie" good time when she takes to the open road -- on the back of a Harley Davidson.

As she prepared for the biggest thrill of her life, Hilda Crabtree said the challenge was a dream come true and would enable her to be able to get mobile once again.

Hilda, 78, of Grange Terrace, Rawtenstall, aims to raise £1,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind by accepting the challenge.

She has been drumming up support by visiting local schools and churches to help crack her target.

She said: "Before I went blind, driving used to be my number one passion. I loved the feeling of being able to get in my car and go wherever I wanted.

"I have been going out to all the schools to let them know what I am doing and to speak to them about being blind. All the children are very interested and want to help me. I have been going somewhere different every day for two weeks now and have already got around £800 -- with another two weeks to go."

Hilda decided to take on the daring challenge after she received a letter from the charity asking her to help. She added: "I don't know what I would do without my guide dog Jeanie. I love her to bits and she is a great help to me. She comes everywhere with me and even sleeps with me. So when my husband George read out the letter and told me what they wanted me to do, I thought what the heck and said get my name down for the Harley."

Hilda's son Graham, 54, will also be taking part by driving a car while blindfolded.

The adventure will take place at Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium during a fund-raising event on Sunday, October 20 with more than 1,000 people taking part.

Speaking on behalf of the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity, Alison Berry said: "Hilda will be riding with an instructor and Graham will be in a car with dual controls for safety reasons."

Anybody wanting to back Hilda or Graham should send sponsorship money to the fund-raising department at the North West headquarters for Guide Dogs for the Blind, Nuffield House, Loundes Street, Bolton, BL1 4QA, or ring them on 01204 492534.