LAURA Gibson has completed her 39th pilgrimage to Lourdes and revealed she is ready for another trip, despite saying this year's would be her last.

The 88-year-old returned from the Catholic shrine last week feeling in good health after struggling with recent leg infections and a scalded back.

It is said that peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous had a vision of the Virgin Mary there in 1858, and since then Lourdes has attracted millions of visitors hoping for a cure for their illnesses.

"I feel wonderful," said the pensioner, of Eastcott Hill.

"It's like my batteries have been recharged and I've become my old self again.

"I haven't felt this good for months.

"Everyone is telling me how well I look since coming back.

"Before I left I hadn't been to the shops in three months as I didn't feel well enough to go out.

"Now I have been already since coming back from Lourdes and I put it down to the trip."

She said the highlights of the trip were The Blessed Sacrament night procession, the underground church of Basilicas and The Way Of The Cross on the hill of the Espelugues.

She did not even need to use the wheelchair she had taken as, with her daughter Charmaine by her side, she felt so good Laura organised the week's pilgrimage for 50 people from Swindon and surrounding areas and says she is now is ready to make it an impressive 40th time around for the August Bank Holiday weekend next year.

She is already planning next year's trip for 25 people, so she can spend more time in Lourdes.

"So many people have asked me if I will organise it for next year and after feeling so good myself I think I will have to," said Laura, who has lived in Swindon for 56 years.

"It's a special place and when I washed my hands in the healing baths that was a wonderful experience again."

Laura also attributes the sudden disappearance of a problem with her arm to the help from the Virgin Mary during a visit to the French town in 1965.

One of the tour-party was 15-year-old James Trinder from Old Walcot.

It was his second visit to Lourdes with mother Maria.

The St Joseph's College pupil said: "The grotto really stands out.

"The way it is carved is so impressive.

"It really was an amazing trip."

If you would like to be part of Laura's group for next year's visit then call her on 01793 487821.