Blind military veterans helped the Albion mark the First World War centenary. Brighton and Hove Albion’s match against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday saw five veterans supported by Blind Veterans UK leading commemorations.

The veterans, all of whom live in or near the charity’s centre in Brighton, joined the team on the pitch before the match.

Tom Gorringe, club head of marketing, said: “We wanted to commemorate the First World War and pay our respects to the servicemen and women who served in that conflict and in every conflict since.

“Blind Veterans UK has been a part of Brighton for nearly 100 years and it was fantastic to have the veterans join us on the pitch ahead of the match.”

Four of the veterans served in the Second World War and the fifth, Paul Jacobs, was blinded by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

Natasha Cartwright, activities co-ordinator at Blind Veterans UK, said: "The fans’ reaction was absolutely amazing.

“Our blind veterans also loved being at the Amex Stadium.”