BLIND and disabled people put their foot down at the borough's Disability Fair.

Driving lessons in a specially adapted car were the star attraction at Castle Leisure Centre.

Organisers have hailed the awareness-raising fair, held last Friday, as a great success.

Among those with visual impairments who got behind the wheel for a few laps in the car park was Michelle Chadwick (30) of Bolton Road, Radcliffe.

It's certainly a change from last year, when a Bolton private hire firm refused to take her home because her golden labrador guide dog Kasey was with her.

The case made Bolton Council review its rules, and Bury Council has made it a condition of taxi drivers' licences that they must carry guide dogs. MIchelle is pictured behidn the wheel of the car.

Mr Alan Norton, chairman of disabled group Baddac which organised the event, was delighted with how well the fair had gone.

"It must be one of the most successful events organised in Bury this year," he said. "It was very encouraging to see so many attending: we met a lot of new friends."

Mr Norton singled out the driving classes, run by the British School of Motoring, as being particularly popular. "I was told I would never be able to drive, yet I've gone on to take advanced driving awards," he said.

"I wanted that chance to be available for other people. With new hand controls and conversion equipment, virtually anyone with a physical disability should be able to drive.

"I think they were thrilled to get behind the wheel and see what it feels like."

Mr Norton added that the borough's Disability Action Group, which comprises councillors, officer and groups such as Baddac, was working very well. One of its main tasks is to ensure disabled access to all buildings when legislation comes into effect in 2005.

All told, there were more than 40 stalls at the fair carrying information from voluntary groups and showing off the latest range of equipment for disabled people, from stairlifts to handy gadgets around the home.

A host of fun events included wheelchair dancing, judo, bowls and yoga.

Local organisations at the fair included the Castle Knights Sports Group, Bury Deaf Children's Society, Bury And District Disabled Advisory Council, Shopmobility, Hurdles and Bury Society for the Blind.

The fair was opened by Bury South MP Ivan Lewis.

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