A BLIND ex-serviceman who defended his country during the Second World War thanked the charity that supported him after he totally lost his sight.

Vernon Cocks, 93, who has Age Related Macular Degeneration, lived in Blackburn where he worked as chief training advisor for the Footwear and Industrial Board after leaving the army in 1946.

During his service he helped in the Coventry Blitz and patrolled in Germany following the D-Day Landings.

Mr Cocks, who made Mellor Brook his home, moved to Carnforth in 1987 where he was put in touch with a scheme run by Blind Veterans UK in to give help to armed forces veterans struggling with their sight.

Mr Cocks said: “The charity really has opened up a whole new life to me. When I first met one of the charity’s members they told me that there is no such word as can’t, and I feel this now myself.

“Initially I was quite apprehensive about getting help but in the end I enjoyed it. I was even loaned an ‘easy read’ machine so that I don’t have to ask my wife to read everything out to me.”

Anyone who believes they or someone they know may benefit from the No One Alone service should contact: 0800 389 7979. or go to: www.noonealone.org.uk for further information.