MEMBERS of the public going about their business in Highworth were stopped in their tracks on Thursday at the sight of the town's mayor wearing a blindfold and carrying a white stick.

Coun Alan Bishop hadn’t suddenly become unwell, nor had he gone mad, instead he was experiencing – just for a few short minutes – what it was like to tackle everyday challenges as a blind person.

With his eyes covered and the stick in his hand, he tentatively made his way along the pavement of the High Street.

Even with the assistance of two helpers supporting his arms, he veered off centre and advanced with only short and hesitant steps.

Coun Bishop said: “It felt very, very strange – I could feel myself drifting off to the right even with someone pushing against me.

“The pavement slopes that way slightly and when you can’t see you just go with it.

“The stick helped a lot for balance, if I hadn’t had the helpers I’m sure I would have been tapping around in front of me too.

“I dare say with practice it would become easier but it must still be very difficult – doing it with a dog must be awkward too.”

The event was organised by the Highworth and District Lions Club, designed to increase awareness and to mark World Sight Day.

Having tried out the concept with a previous mayor they knew what a striking demonstration it was of the challenges facing the visually impaired.

With the walking part out of the way, it was on to the next obstacle – eating an omelette while wearing the blindfold.

Sat comfortably at a table in the corner of High Street café Puddleducks, the mayor was presented with his plate of food.

The casual observer would have been forgiven for thinking it was his first time using a knife and fork, such was his hesitation as he felt around in search of a chip or to cut the omelette.

He did a sterling job – but given his lack of experience it was probably a sensible idea to leave the piping hot coffee to one side on this occasion.

“It was a challenge,” he said. “You think you know where your mouth is but finding the food in the first place is the hard bit.

“I could hear people talking around me too but I wasn’t quite sure what was going on or who was where.

“This was perhaps one of the more unusual events I have taken part in as mayor – having experienced this I am glad I have my sight and I certainly have compassion for those who haven’t.

“It does make you feel as if you want to do something more and to help in some way.”