BLIND veterans paid a visit to RAF Valley as part of commemorative events to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings during the Second World War.

The Anglesey airbase hosted 53 members and staff from the charity Blind Veterans UK. The veterans, six of whom served on D-Day, were given the chance to talk and interact with serving personnel. They were welcomed by the organiser, Warrant Officer Gareth Prytherch and volunteer personnel from RAF Valley.

The veterans received a briefing on the role of RAF Valley and its history from Officer Commanding Support Wing, Wg Cdr Nikki Parr, followed by visits to see the new Texan turbo-prop training aircraft, the Hawk T2 jet, and the RAF Mountain Rescue Service.

The veterans, who all have varying degrees of visual impairment, enjoyed sitting in the aircraft to using items of mountain rescue equipment.

Organiser Warrant Officer Prytherch said: “It was a real privilege to host the blind veterans at RAF Valley, especially with having six D-Day veterans here so close to the 75th anniversary.

"They had a fantastic visit and were a real inspiration to all of us in terms of overcoming adversity and their incredibly positive attitudes. It was clear that being back in the military environment was a hugely positive experience.” A cheque for £7459.76 was presented to Blind Veterans UK on behalf of RAF Valley's station charities.