A BLIND veteran from Banbury is celebrating two centenaries in a month including a party at Buckingham Palace.

George Haigh, 99, attended a royal garden party on Thursday at the invitation of Blind Veterans UK, marking the centenary of the charity.

And his 100th birthday is on Monday, June 29.

Mr Haigh served in the Royal Air Force as a physical training instructor, stationed at RAF Morecambe and Wilmslow where he trained new recruits and parachutists.

Before joining the RAF in 1940, he was a professional footballer for Stockport County and after being discharged as a sergeant in 1946 he continued his involvement in the game as a manager.

He lost his sight due to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), a painless eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision.

He said: “It seemed like I lost my sight quite quickly which had a big impact. Suddenly I couldn’t read anything.”

Since then, he has received equipment from Blind Veterans UK to help him to continue to live independently, such as a talking clock and magnifying aids.

He said: “It’s the smallest changes which have been the most helpful.

“Even something like sunglasses, so I can enjoy going outside again.”

The national support charity asked more than 1,000 ex-servicemen it has helped to the royal garden party.

Mr Haigh said: “When I got the invitation I was over the moon.

“It’s a wonderful thing. I couldn’t have ever imagined it happening to me.”

Blind Veterans UK was founded in 1915 and the charity’s initial purpose was to help soldiers blinded in World War I.

The organisation has gone on to support more than 35,000 blind veterans and their families, spanning World War II to recent conflicts including Iraq and Afghanistan.

The chief executive of Blind Veterans UK, Major General (Rtd) Nick Caplin CB, said: “All of us feel honoured to celebrate our centenary at such a special event. This anniversary provides the opportunity to look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. It is a critical time for our charity as the number of blind veterans we support is increasing.

“In the past year, more blind veterans have registered for our help than ever before and this trend is set to continue.”