A VIRTUALLY blind pensioner is poised to overcome the odds and perform on the Guiseley Theatre stage later this month.

Ron Wells' eyesight has deteriorated steadily since he contracted glaucoma 17 years ago.

But the 72-year-old bass is determined to sing in two concert performances of the Jerome Kern musical 'Showboat' and various opera choruses on Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29.

Learning the music has been a mammoth effort but Ron, of Victoria Park, Shipley, is striving to be word perfect come opening night.

"I love singing and taking part in concerts like these. The only trouble is they're a lot of hard work because I have got to get my wife to put the bass line on tape for me and then I commit it to memory.

"I also get the words printed out in extra large type but, really, I have to have everything fixed in my head before the opening night.

"One of the opera choruses we'll be doing is from 'La Traviata' and I've been having real problems learning the Italian," he said.

The concerts are being staged by Guiseley Amateur Operatic Society and the former British Telecom employee says performing on stage is a release from the restrictions his disability imposes.

"Quite honestly, I don't go out much and I don't go on holiday because there's little point when you can see so little. Although I can see some things, I struggle to distinguish what they are. When I look at someone, it's only the overall size and shape of their frame that gives me an idea of who they are," he said.

Ron, who has two children and a granddaughter, has been performing on stage for more than 40 years. Apart from Guiseley AOS he sings with Yeadon Male Voice Choir. His wife Margaret is the choir's accompanist. In the past Ron has sung with the Ilkley and Bingley operatic societies.

The concerts on October 28 and 29 will feature Burley- in-Wharfedale soprano Joanne Dexter and Sheffield tenor Martin Hindmarsh.

l Tickets costing £8.50 and £9.50 are available by telephoning 0113 2503341.