A HAMPSHIRE charity has received nearly £10,000 by the National Lottery .

Open Sight Hampshire has been awarded the money to set up more groups for visually impaired people, with the aim of helping them become more active and meet other people living with sight loss.

They already run their Active VI Groups in Eastleigh, Havant and Waterlooville, but want to open more across the county due to increasing demand.

The National Lottery grant of £9,457 will enable groups in Fareham, the Hythe and Waterside area, as well as Portsmouth and Basingstoke.

David McKeigue, chief executive of Open Sight Hampshire, said: "We are thrilled and very grateful to receive this funding from the National Lottery, which will help us deliver this positive and successful service to more visually impaired people across Hampshire."

The monthly groups allow visually impaired people aged between 18 and 65 to meet up with others to share their experiences of living with sight loss.

It is also an opportunity for them get advice on the latest technology and services, as well as share their own tips on everyday life as a visually impaired person.

The group also organises activities and events to bring people together and prevent loneliness.