A TADLEY borough councillor was blindfolded and led around a supermarket to raise awareness of a national day.

Councillor David Leeks, chairman of Tadley Town Council, agreed to temporarily lose his sight when he took part in Loddon Valley Lions' celebration of World Sight Day on October 8.

Members of the Lions led Cllr Leeks around the Tadley Sainsbury's store, giving him the task of purchasing five simple items.

It took Cllr Leeks around half-an-hour to pick up the items, put them in his basket and make his way to the checkout, guided only by the voice of one of the Lions.

He did all this while moving around on his mobility scooter, trying not to crash into anything or anyone.

Cllr Leeks said: "I was totally dependant on the directions I was given."

Barry Germain, from the Loddon Valley Lions, said: "We are very grateful to the manager and staff of Sainsbury's Tadley for their help and cooperation with this evnt.

"Sight initiatives are signature activities of Lions clubs worldwide. Our purpose locally was to raise awareness of blindness issues and remind people that sight loss is often preventable by having regular eye tests to detect any deterioration and arrange subsequent remedial care."

The iconic white stick for sight impaired people was initiated by Lions and introduced to this country in the early 1950s.

The Lions clubs support many sight related activities including eye camps in developing countries, where procedures such as cataract removal are carried out with life-changing effects for those who otherwise could not afford such treatment.

The club also collects unwanted spectacles and hearing aids during its annual Father Christmas tour around Tadley in December.

These are sorted and recycled for new users in developing countries.