A COUNCILLOR who has lost his sight for a week has found his challenge tough going.

Councillor David Newell, from Ferryhill, County Durham, was blindfolded by Prime Minister Tony Blair on Saturday.

He is raising money for St Dunstan's, a charity which supports armed forces personnel blinded during active service.

Coun Newell is now half way through his challenge, which ends on Sunday when the blindfold is removed during the Remembrance Sunday service in Ferryhill.

He said: "It's been really difficult so far. I've had some moments where I've felt very vulnerable and it's been a little bit scary at times.

"On a few occasions, I've noticed that my hearing and sense of smell have definitely been more acute."

He added: "I went to a local pub the other day and there's always loud music playing.

"Usually, you just chat away over the music, but I found I just couldn't hear people at all, so I wonder if, unconsciously, you use lip reading."

Coun Newell, who is being helped around by Private David Robson, from the Army's 91 Squadron, has not fallen over yet.

He said: "I know it's for a good cause, but I can't wait for Sunday.