THE old adage never work with children and animals was ignored by staff at Support 4 Sight when they held a family fun day at their information centre in Saffron Walden. The day was held for local families and included a special guest appearance from

THE old adage 'never work with children and animals' was ignored by staff at Support 4 Sight when they held a family fun day at their information centre in Saffron Walden.

The day was held for local families and included a special guest appearance from the children's entertainer, Mr Rainbow. The charity was so inundated by families that it was standing room only for parents, while children crowded around the popular magician for two 50 minute shows.

The day kicked off with fun activities for children, all of which were linked to eyes and sight loss. As well as the chance to meet Mr Rainbow, the children had the opportunity to meet guide-dogs, play with talking computers, write their names in Braille, play with toys for children with poor vision and enter a colouring competition.

The colouring competition had been distributed to local schools and entries were displayed in the front window of the George Street centre. They were judged and the two winners were Sophie Bloyce and Tillie Warner.

The aim of the fun day - which was sponsored by Heart Radio and Uttlesford District Council - was to raise the profile of sight loss amongst local families and to grow awareness of the importance of Support 4 Sight's work. The charity helps over 2700 local people with issues about sight loss.

Director of Support 4 Sight, Madeleine Cassidy, said: "Sight loss can happen at any stage of life and affects young and old alike. Support 4 Sight is very pleased this year's family fun day was very successful, demonstrating that help is available to everyone with sight problems.

"We want to make families aware that help is at hand at Support 4 Sight and we would like to thank Heart Radio, Uttlesford District Council, Mr Rainbow and to our volunteers for making the day so special."

The charity helps people with sight loss and associated problems, by giving information, support and training. Its services include home visiting, computer training, social events, running information desks and supplying equipment through its resource centre. Many of the services are conducted by local volunteers.

For more information on the work of Support 4 Sight, contact Madeleine Cassidy by e-mailing madeleine@support4sight.org.uk, calling 01799 523700, or writing to: Support 4 Sight, 2 & 4 George Street, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1EQ.

Alternatively, check out the charity's website at www.support4sight.org.uk