A DREAM came true for disabled youngsters who were blessed by the Pope on a holiday of a lifetime in Rome.

The trip was organised by the Mad-Hatters, a Middlewich branch of the charity Across, which raised £17,000 to take the group of 36 people on a 10-day sightseeing break.

A total of 18 disabled people and 18 able bodied people from across Cheshire, including Winsford and Middlewich, enjoyed the adventure.

They set off on August 21 in a Jumbulance - the world's largest paramedic ambulance - and returned on Sunday after a 32-hour journey.

In the Italian capital they stayed in a convent called the Sanctuary of our Lady of Divine Love and visited famous places like the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Square.

Group leader Tim Hough, of Hayhurst Avenue, Middlewich, was one of the main organisers of the trip, assisted by many other group members including Sue Bailey and Patricia Ednie.

Sheila Connor, of Cartmel Close, Winsford, a helper on the trip, said: "The group leader Tim Hough had organised the holiday very well.

"It was a trip of a lifetime - very exhausting but very enjoyable. It took us 40 hours to get there and 32 hours to come home.

"We met the Pope in the centre of St Peter's Square which was marvellous.

"He blessed disabled people and newly weds dressed in their outfits. It was an unbelievable experience.

"The disabled people absolutely loved the trip. So much so that some were even crying because they wanted to stay."

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