SANGEETA Bassi did not abandon her culinary dreams when she was diagnosed with a nerve illness nine years ago.

The condition meant that she became severely disabled and lost 95 per cent of her sight.

But thanks to an incredible passion and love for food, plus a lifelong desire to open her own restaurant, she is now the owner of Blase restaurant in Blackburn Road, Egerton.

After learning computer skills and braille, Sangeeta approached the Ethnic Minorities Business Service for specialist advice on food safety, finance and marketing. She also had help from the Access To Work programme through her job centre.

Her husband Naresh is the project manager and their daughter Bonny is the corporate and restaurant manager.

Sangeeta said: "My biggest problems are other peoples perception of me. I am confident of my abilities, and I wouldnt want to be sitting around doing nothing."