A NORTH Yorkshire mayor says he has been inspired to help people with limited sight after walking through his city’s streets blindfolded.

Coun Mick Stanley, mayor of Ripon, said the experience of being led from its cathedral to the town hall by trainee guide dog Simba had highlighted the vulnerability of blind and partially sighted people in their daily routines.

He negotiated scaffolding, uneven pavements and kerbs, advertising signs and flower tubs, and said he was now determined to help the Guide Dogs charity and also review obstacles in Ripon. “It was a unique experience – it was relatively easy to trust Simba, but without him I would have been totally lost.”

The charity invited the mayor to take the blindfolded walk as part of a drive to recruit volunteers to help train dogs, raise funds and campaign on issues.