Chris Bennett: An unexpectedly uplifting visit to the seaside

There are precious few heartwarming things going on in the world these days but the work being carried out by Blind Veterans UK at its South Coast rehabilitation and training centre  is up there with the best.

We all expect charities to help people and to do good work for those in need but the way in which BVUK goes about helping ex-servicemen and women in truly remarkable. Let's get some basics about BVUK straight. It is not just for the blind, its not an old soldiers club or an army hospital and its is open to all those who have served, for any period, in the services. While some beneficiaries are ex-servicemen who have been blinded or had their vision damaged while on active service many of its beneficiaries are older men and women who are often suffering from age-related visual loss. The range of services and help available at BVUK's Ovingdean centre is truly staggering. The residential areas are truly a home from home while thousands of visually impaired people benefit from short visits, help with transport, low vision training or provision of housing.