A REMARKABLE Kearsley woman's fund-raising line dancing classes have led to a huge donation to charity. Freda Riley has presented the Guide Dogs for the Blind with £2,500 - enough to pay for the training of a dog. The money was raised through her twice-weekly line dancing classes in Farnworth.

Her achievements are even more impressive when her disabilities are taken into account.

The former Bury College lecturer lost most of her sight in 1984.

Alhough registered blind, she could carry on working with help from the Manpower Services Commission. But in 1991 she developed tinnitus - a constant ringing in the ears.

She said: "I had to ask the students to wave at me when they were asking a question, and because of the tinnitus, ask them to repeat their questions. My credibility as a teacher was practically non-existent."

She was forced to retire and spent many desolate months coming to terms with her plight.

Then she discovered dancing. She approached Age Concern in Ashburner Street, Bolton, and launched Wednesday tea dances, which are still going strong.

The success of that led her to line-dancing and she set up her fund-raising dance classes.

"I made money - quite a lot actually - so Age Concern benefited by £2,500, then I changed to Guide Dogs and raised £2,500 for a dog."

Freda now plans to raise £1,000 for the Farnworth Ace Morris Dancing team and then raise money for Bolton Hospice.

Freda runs her classes with her friend Sharon Quinn, of Leinster Street, Farnworth.

The pair go under the name Freesha - Dancing For Charity.

The line-dancing classes take place at the Old Vets Club in Farnworth on Wednesday; 7pm to 8pm is for beginners, and there is a general class between 8pm and 10.30pm. On Thursdays classes are held at the Hawker's club in Gladstone Road from 8pm and 10.30pm.

Further details from Freda on Bolton 705608.

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