A WIRRAL amy veteran with severe sight loss will cook a Christmas feast for his family after a national military charity helped rebuild his confidence in the kitchen.

Earlier this year, Brian Fleetwood, 74, visited Blind Veterans UK’s Llandudno centre for a week of cookery training.

He has now regained the confidence to cook and will make a full traditional Christmas meal including turkey, pigs in blanket, roast potatoes, parsnips, brussel sprouts and gravy for 14 family members.

Looking forward to the big day, Brian said: "My cooking training has given me the courage and assurance to cook once again, like I did occasionally before my sight worsened.

"It is an achievement I am very proud of."

Brian, a veteran of the Parachute Regiment, served between 1961 and 1965. He travelled all over the world with the Army, with tours taking him to the Middle East, Greece and Cyprus.

After leaving service, Brian continued working in manufacturing in Wirral.

Years on, he began to lose his sight due to blood vessels bursting behind his eyes.

He said: "I first began losing my sight over ten years ago in one eye, but earlier this year I rapidly started losing sight in my other eye, meaning I could see very little.

"I was frustrated by not being able to do the things I could before my eyesight got worse."

Brian was told about Blind Veterans UK by a welfare officer at The Royal Liverpool Hospital, who encouraged him to get in touch.

He said: “The charity has been amazing. It has taken away the feeling of isolation that comes with severe sight loss.

"It has made a big difference to my life. I can’t thank Blind Veterans UK enough.

"The scanner I've been given helps me to read my correspondence.

"I am also learning to touch type at home with an adapted keyboard for the vision-impaired, the keys are yellow on a black background making them easier to see. It is going well."