DAREDEVIL blind veterans took on a zip wire challenge to help raise funds for the charity which has helped them.

The eight-strong team descended 120 feet from the top Blind Veterans UK's main building at Ovingdean, Brighton.

They were among 200 people helping to raise more than £7,000 for the charity, which supports blind ex-servicemen and women.

One of the veterans taking part on the daredevil ride was Tony Harbour, 80, from Saltdean.

Mr Harbour was part of the RAF police from 1953 until 1961 and was stationed in Gibraltar and the UK.

After he left the RAF he finished his apprenticeship and degree in electrical engineering and moved to Brighton where he started up his own business.

Part of his work involved working on Blind Veterans UK properties, which are adapted for veterans with sight loss so they can live independently.

After volunteering for the charity for almost 20 years, Mr Harbour was diagnosed as suffering from glaucoma himself.

He had several unsuccessful operations to try and help with his sight but was registered blind in 2009.

Mr Harbour said: “When I lost my sight I found myself in a black hole that I didn’t know how to get out of. I wasn’t myself and I did not want to know the world.

“I’m so glad that I knew about Blind Veterans UK and I can’t tell you how much they have helped me. They’ve given me my independence back.”

Mr Harbour was joined by other members of his local RAF Police Association for the zip wire challenge and he and the group have raised thousands of pounds for Blind Veterans UK over the last few years.

Earlier this year he abseiled down The Grand hotel in Brighton and raised more than £1,000.

Mr Harbour said: “The adrenaline really was pumping on the zip wire. The Marines at the top were absolutely brilliant and we had a real laugh with them.

“It was fantastic and I would do it again any time. The most important thing is that a lot of money was raised for a brilliant charity in Blind Veterans UK.”

For more details about the charity, visit www.blindveterans.org.uk.