FOLLOWING the decision by the RNIB to withdraw from school fund-raising, I would like to take this opportunity through the pages of the BEN to thank all the staff, children and parents involved with schools throughout Bolton and the surrounding area for their support during the eight years that I have been the Youth Appeals Co-ordinator for the area.

During those eight years the schools involved have raised several thousands of pounds every year through sponsorship and other events, which has helped provide special aids for many blind and visually impaired people, as well as buying talking books and talking book machines which will have given so much pleasure to those people who are blind or partially sighted.

I would also like to thank the BEN for the publicity that they have given to these events, which has not only made more people aware of the work that the RNIB does, but highlights the good work that schools, children and parents do for members of the community who are less fortunate than they are themselves.

Julia Hodkinson

Haigh Hall Close

Ramsbottom

Bury