REDDITCH Library recently hosted the Walking the Blindfold Mile event.

The annual event, organised by Sight Concern Worcestershire, involved pairs of people, one blindfolded, one sighted, walking a designated route.

The Redditch route this year began from St. Stephen’s Church in Redditch Town Centre taking in the Heart of Worcestershire College, the Palace Theatre, the library and the Kingfisher Centre.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member for communities, said: “It’s great news that the Blindfold Mile has returned to Worcestershire and visited Redditch this year and I'm delighted that Redditch Library featured in the event and offered a range of activities for participants.

This event was a really great opportunity to further appreciate some of the challenges that visually impaired people face in daily life, and the people of Redditch did the county proud, embracing the event.”

Katie Hackett, library team leader, said: “The event had a wide range of participants who were clearly serious about experiencing what it is like to live with visual impairment, and you could really feel the positive vibe in the library. The team learned a lot and found the experience invigorating.”

The library was situated approximately halfway along the mile-long route.

Participants were able to try on 'Sim Specs', which simulate the experience of having different types of visual impairment, and take part in a blindfold pottery activity.

Participants were also able to experience what is like to search for and borrow audio books whilst blindfolded, giving them an insight into the challenges facing blind and partially sighted people on a daily basis.