SHE'S registered blind. She has a guide dog and she's never driven a car in all her life.

But that will not stop a Southampton mum getting behind the wheel of a brand new Ford Fiesta to race round one of the country's premier motor circuits.

Jenny Sharp, 42, lost her sight as a teenager after a virus damaged her optic nerve.

She never had a driving lesson - but has since longed to get her foot on an accelerator and hands round a steering wheel to feel the sensation for herself.

When the opportunity came up to sit in the driver's seat to raise money for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, the mum-of-two leapt at the chance.

"I have always expressed a wish to learn to drive, and this seemed right up my street. But I'm getting a little bit nervous about it - although I am looking forward to it.

"I have some tunnel vision in one eye but it's very restricted, and it's got blurry as I've got older. I don't think it'll help with the driving," she said.

Husband David as well as the couple's children, Christopher, 14 and Ryan, 11, will all be going to the Goodwood track, in Chichester, next Sunday to cheer Jenny on.

Blind people will be accompanied by qualified instructors in the dual-control cars and sighted drivers will have to wear blindfolds to make for an even playing field.

They will have to negotiate a chicane, reverse park and execute a three-point turn to be in with a chance of winning prizes on the day.

IT student Jenny, who has had a guide dog, Bonnie, for two years, is currently after sponsorship for the event - she has been asked to raise a minimum of £150 for the charity.

Event organiser Tori Green said: "For many blind people this will be the first and perhaps only time they will ever drive a car. It's a unique opportunity for them to savour the thrill and sensation of driving."

It is thought the event will raise around £5,000 for the charity, which has its Southampton base in The Avenue.

To sponsor Jenny call 023 8049 5237.