A blind armed forces veteran from Wirral who has discovered a love of art since losing his sight has attended the opening of a special exhibition featuring his work.

Don Mulryan, 83, is exhibiting his work along with other blind veterans at "Art – Life Beyond Sight Loss" which opened its doors to the public on Saturday.

The exhibition explores the role of art and craft in assisting blind and vision-impaired veterans overcome the barriers and challenges of sight loss.

Held at Liverpool's St George’s Hall, it includes paintings, woodwork and ceramics produced by blind veterans who have been trained in new techniques after visiting the charity’s rehabilitation centres.

Don, who lives in West Kirby, said “I’d heard of St Dunstan’s, which is what Blind Veterans UK used to be called, but had no idea they now supported people like me.

"I was chatting to a man at Henshaws Society for the Blind and he told me I had to get in touch with them. I’m so glad he did.”

Don attended an introductory week at the charity’s training and rehabilitation centre in Llandudno to find out more about the support they offer.

Don continued: “We tried out all sorts of things that first week and it was absolutely brilliant. I learnt that in addition to getting training in things such as IT, we could also receive support in developing interests.

"So I went back to Llandudno to try my hand at a week of painting.”

Don was born in Liverpool and began his military career as a National Serviceman in 1952 when he enlisted with the Green Howards.

He was then transferred to Royal Army Ordinance Corps and served with them until 1954. He later joined the Intelligence Corps TA until he was discharged as a sergeant in 1958.

After his service he initially returned to his previous career in banking but at the age of just 33 his sight began to fade as a result of macular dystrophy, a rare genetic eye disorder that causes loss of vision.

Don continued in banking until his sight deteriorated to the point where he was no longer able to read documents.

He then qualified and worked as a technical officer for the blind, working as a contractor for many agencies including Bradbury Fields and the National Federation for the Blind.

It wasn’t until 2013 that Don became aware that Blind Veterans UK supported veterans who had lost their sight after completing their service.

“I cannot tell you how happy the painting course has made me." he said.

"I have always wanted to have a go but never had a chance before my sight condition developed – but now with the help of Blind Veterans UK I have created paintings which have received favourable comments from all those who have seen them.”

Since the charity’s founding in 1915, Blind Veterans UK has considered the study of art and craft skills to be an important element of rehabilitation for the blind veterans it supports.

For more than a century the charity has been providing vital free training, rehabilitation, equipment and emotional support to blind and vision-impaired veterans no matter when they served or how they lost their sight.

The exhibition is open until January 29 - excluding Mondays and Tuesdays - from 10am to 4pm.

Admission is £3 per adult, £1.50 for children with reduced rates available for groups and schools.