GEOFFREY Kerr is joining 1,800 other veterans to celebrate the centenary of a charity that has supported them through deteriorating eyesight.

Mr Kerr, 85, of Cotford St Luke, has been helped by Blind Veterans UK since he was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration five years ago.

He heard about the organisation when he was sitting in the waiting room at Taunton’s Musrove Park Hospital before an appointment.

Mr Kerr, who did his National Service in the RAF and later served as a Flight Lieutenant in the RAF Volunteer Reserve, said: “I was finding it more and more difficult to see while driving so I gave up my license straight away. I used to play contract bridge several times a week but unfortunately my sight loss has got to the point where it’s now impossible to see the cards.

Blind Veterans UK have helped him with training so he can still use his computer and has organised training, holiday and activity weekends for him and his wife, Maureen.

The couple will join other veterans at a centenary service of thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey on Tuesday, October 6.