A blind veteran from Fareham has received an award for inspiring his community, from charity Blind Veterans UK.

Bob Strickland, 86, who was trained as a signaller and served in the 33rd Parachute Field Regiment Artillery, received his award for Inspiring Communities at a recent military dinner at HMS Sultan in Gosport.

The accolade, part of the charity's Founder's Awards, pays tribute to the contributions of blind veterans and their families.

Signaller Strickland, who was conscripted into the British Army at 18, served in Egypt during the Suez Crisis in November 1956.

After returning to the UK, he was retrained on 75mm Howitzers and later served in Aden before being discharged as a Lance Bombardier in 1958.

Following his military service, he worked as a cartographer until his retirement in 1994, which was brought on by sight loss due to damage to his optic nerves that started when he was 57.

His award is a mark of the continuing legacy of Blind Veterans UK, which has been supporting veterans since Sir Arthur Pearson opened its first facility for war-blinded veterans in 1915.

The organisation assists thousands of blind veterans nationwide, but continues to actively seek out and offer aid to many more who would benefit from their support.

The charity is urging ex-servicemen and those who completed National Service struggling with sight loss to reach out for support.

He said: "One day I said to my wife, I can see your eyes but where has the rest of you gone. It was extremely frightening when it first happened.

"I began receiving support from Blind Veterans UK in 2004. I don’t think I would have survived without the charity; with their support my life has been transformed.

"I’m especially grateful for the assistance I’ve had in learning to use equipment that helps me to maintain my independence."

Contact Blind Veterans UK at 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/gethelp