IT may not have been in existence for 160 years, but Bury Blind Society has been supporting those with a visual impairment since 1922.

Bury Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People, the organisation's full title, has formed a close bond with the Bury Times.

This relationship was illustrated earlier this year when the society was presented with a £12,000 grant on behalf of the charitable trust, the Gannett Foundation. Gannett is the parent company of the newspaper. The money will help the society develop a sensory garden at its base in Tenterden Street.

Society chief executive officer Jill Logan said: "We are delighted to add our best wishes and congratulations to the Bury Times in celebrating their 160th anniversary. Since our formation in 1922, Bury Blind Society has been supporting local people in Bury with a visual impairment in a variety of ways.

"For more than 30 years, the Bury Times has played a crucial part in raising awareness and supporting our efforts through articles featuring the work of our charity to advertising events."

Commenting on the sensory garden, she added: "Members have enjoyed discussing and planning the layout of the garden and choosing a variety of plants and shrubs. Work has now commenced on this and each day brings a new development in the project. "

The society is inviting the people of Bury to attend its family fun open day which is scheduled to take place on Saturday August 15 between 11am and 3pm. The event will feature games, refreshments, jumble sale and an opportunity for visitors to view the new sensory garden.

Bury's mayor, Cllr Stella Smith and her consort, husband John, will be carrying out the official ribbon cutting ceremony at noon.

Jill added: "We shall certainly be saying a big thank you to the Bury Times on that day, and long may they continue to provide the community of Bury with coverage of local news and events. Well done to the Bury Times on achieving 160 years from all at Bury Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People."