DOZENS of diners were given a taste of what it is like to eat with impaired sight when they were blindfolded during a fundraising meal.

The County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted asked diners to wear a blindfold during dinner to help raise awareness of issues faced by its members.

Dining in the Dark featured a three-course meal in the Nouveau Restaurant, New College, Durham.

Volunteer co-ordinator Carol McAllister said: “The event was to raise awareness of people who have full sight to the issues we face.

“The evening was excellent and everyone said it was a really good and educational experience.”

Ms McAllister said some had found it difficult to concentrate on having a conversation while eating blindfolded, while others found it difficult finding the food on their plate at first.

The event raised £263 for the charity.

Services provided by the society include a resource centre and information service, home visiting, telephone support scheme, volunteer support at social clubs and focus groups.

The society, which helps more than 2,200 people in County Durham also provides a computer mentoring scheme, talking newspapers and a driver escort service to allow visually impaired people to attend eye clinic appointments.

For information about the society or to volunteer call 0191-386-8175, email cdsvh@