A man who is nearly blind will make a special appearance as Father Christmas at a rehabilitation centre.

Ted Pepper, 81, of Chelmsford, will play a starring role at the Blind Veterans UK training and rehab centre in Brighton on Christmas day after being helped by the charity himself.

Ted was eligible to receive free support from Blind Veterans UK, as he is an ex-Navy veteran who has macular degeneration.

As a result of the condition, his eye sight has deteriorated with age.

He will give out presents to other blind veterans and their families.

He said: "I love spending Christmas at the Brighton Centre and especially playing a vital role on Christmas Day.

"There is always so much to do at this time of year with great social activities on hand.

"I feel very lucky to be a resident here at Brighton, and I am very grateful for all the help I have received from Blind Veterans UK.” 

Blind Veterans UK offers free services and support to vision-impaired ex-Service men and women and their families.

It doesn’t matter how long ago they served, or even how a veteran lost their sight - it could be due to old age, illness or an incident while in service - if they are now battling severe sight loss, Blind Veterans UK can help.

The charity also provide emotional support and a wide range of equipment and social activities through its service centres in Sheffield, Brighton and Llandudno, North Wales as well as its UK-wide network of welfare officers and community services.

  Blind Veterans UK is currently reaching out to more veterans like Ted, as part of its No One Alone campaign.

The charity estimates that there are 68,000 plus blind veterans who are eligible for the charity’s services but are not currently aware of this.

If you know someone who served in the Armed Forces, or those who did National Service, and is now battling severe sight problems, Blind Veterans UK may be able to provide them and their family with a lifetime's practical and emotional support for free.

Call freephone - 0800 389 7979 or go to www.noonealone.org.uk now.