TWO elderly residents of a York nursing home have packed their bags and jetted off to cruise around the Canary Islands.

The pair, both wheelchair users, have never flown before and are being accompanied by a nurse and two carers - who have given up part of their own holiday to go with them.

Betty Lockwood, 87, and Annie Jamieson, 82, both live at Mulberry Court nursing home, off Shipton Lane, Rawcliffe. They have flown to Tenerife from Manchester airport, to board the Topaz cruise ship, bound for Lanzarote, Morocco, Madeira, and Gran Canaria.

The friends, who have lived in the home since 2001, have never ventured further than Jersey or France.

Before they left, Betty said: "I think I will be scared of flying, but I'm looking forward to it."

The trip began as a joke by nurse Shirley Holgate, during a minibus trip to Castle Howard. Dreams turned to reality after inquiries were made about facilities for disabled people aboard the ship.

Annie, who has a son and two grandchildren, was also excited about the trip. She said: "I'm most looking forward to going to Madeira."

They will return from their travels next weekend.

Updated: 09:42 Saturday, March 01, 2003