A BLIND woman is expecting the ride of her life when she takes the controls of a helicopter.

Susan Gibson, 56, from Darlington, has always wanted to fly in a helicopter, so when she won a competition run by Darlington Lions to have a dream come true, she knew what she would ask for.

The competition was held to celebrate World Sight Day and was open to all blind or partially-sighted people in the area.

They were asked to say what their dream would be, and Darlington Lions promised to make the best entry come true.

Ms Gibson said: "I love flying, but have only ever been up in planes - so I wanted to try something new.

"I spent my childhood in Africa so I am used to being in the air. But this will be something totally new."

Ms Gibson will go with her guide dog, Tully, to Newcastle Airport for the flight later this month.

She will receive basic training to allow her take the controls for a short time, before getting into the helicopter - leaving Tully on the ground to watch her.

Ms Gibson was partially-sighted from birth and is now registered blind.