When people lose their sight, simply walking down the street can be a scary and daunting task.

That’s the message from the team which helps people find their way around the world again.

But according to campaigners, too many people don’t offer help or know what to do when they see someone with a white cane.

Members of Oxfordshire County Council’s Visual Impairment Team will be out in Oxford today attempting to solve the problem.

Senior practitioner Elizabeth Agar said: “We want people to know that if someone is holding a white cane, they could be having some difficulties.

“If someone looks like they are struggling, standing at the side of the road and looking confused, then ask them if they want some help.

“A lot of people don’t move out of their way or offer help and it can be extremely frustrating.

“If you can see an obstacle coming up, then tell them about it. You can see things that they won’t be able to.”

The team and some of the 180 people who currently use their service will be at the Westgate Centre.

They will be answering questions and handing out stickers and bookmarks with the message ‘A cane that’s white means loss of sight.’ The event coincides with World Sight Day, a global event to raise awareness of blindness, visual impairment and rehabilitation.