SABDEN gran Maralyn Duff took to the skies to raise cash for a new children's play area.

Maralyn, 67, won the 30-minute lesson in a raffle organised by Sabden Play Park Trust.

And she tried to hide her nerves as she took off in the four-seater plane at Blackpool airport on Saturday.

Maralyn flew with grandson Marcus, seven, who goes to Sabden Primary School, Whalley Road, and her daughter Gillian, 43.

Maralyn said: "I would have never done anything like this if I didn't win it.

It was fantastic. It is amazing when you get up there. I would recommend it to anyone."

Maralyn was also cheered on by her grandchildren, Max, four, and Cristian, 14, and their dad Mark Turner, 39, of Gardeners Row.

Flying instructor Dave Wardle said Maralyn was a natural and even recommended she take it up as a hobby.

He said: "She was great. I barely had to help her."

A casino night in St Mary's Church Hall on June 10 is the next fundraiser to support a new Whalley Road play area, expected to cost £24,000.

Call Jacqui Ashton on 01282 770499 for more details.