Ambassador for the blind dies aged 92

Bill Flanagan was made honorary president of the Guide Dogs For the Blind Association's Bolton branch in recognition of his tireless fundraising.

Staff who worked alongside him will be taking guide dogs to the Overdale Crematorium service in his memory.

The former textile worker lost his sight in 1935 after getting acid in his eyes but never let this handicap become an obstacle.

For 40 years, he devoted his time to raising money for the charity to ensure other blind people could enjoy the same benefits.

Guide Dogs For The Blind fundraising development officer Rod Arthem described Mr Flanagan as "a true ambassador" for the charity.

Mr Arthern, who knew the honorary president for 20 years, said: "He was an out and out gentleman and nothing was ever too much trouble.

"He spoke his mind and he was usually right.

"He was a very independent guy. He had total confidence in his dogs and he got on with his life."

Mr Flanagan, who spent 33 years working for Industries for the Disabled in Marsden Street, was at one stage the oldest person in Britain with a guide dog. He had five different dogs in all.

He was a skilled craftsmen who produced countless tables, stools and woven baskets.

Mr Flanagan was also a music lover, especially brass bands, who told relatives he would much rather be blind than deaf.

Sometimes he would carry a tape recorder with him to capture sounds as he energetically pounded Bolton's streets.

Son-in-law Brian Caswell said: "He was a man who never let his affliction stop him doing anything.

"The confidence of the man was unbelievable.

"He was an inspiring character."

"Fundraising was his life.

"It was the thing that really drove him on."

He retired from fundraising in his 70s when he was wrongly diagnosed with cancer of the liver. Mr Flanagan's funeral service will be held at St Matthew's Church at 11.15am on Monday, with the committal service in Overdale West Chapel at noon.