A 70 per cent fall in legacy income to a Lancashire charity supporting 3,500 blind and partially sighted people is threatening to put a dampener on the charity's anniversary celebrations.

The Preston and North Lancashire Blind Welfare Society has received just over £21,000 in legacies compared to £75,000 for the same period last year.

And the drop in income is deflating the charity's anniversary celebrations which are set to mark 130 years of service in the area.

Said Society director, Peter Taylor: "We knew income from legacies was significantly down some months ago but we hoped things would improve. Unfortunately, legacy income has steadily fallen from a height of £171,000 in 1992. Extra efforts by the society's staff and volunteers are hopefully going some way to make up for the lost income but the going is tough."

The charity was founded in 1867 out of public concern for the district's blind people and over the years it has supported hundreds of thousands of people.

Added Mr Taylor: "It is a shame that this should worry us during what should be a year of celebration."

A number of local solicitors concerned about the society's plight have agreed to draw up wills free of charge providing a bequest is left to the society.

For more information call Mr Taylor on Lancaster 414846.

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