A LOCAL councillor has been appointed to serve on the Board of Blindcraft Trust.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill's nomination will focus on advancing the interests of blind and partially sighted people across West Dunbartonshire.

The Trust works to advance the education of people who are blind or visually impaired with a specific focus on children up to the age of 19 who have a right to statutory education.

It also relieves poverty among those with visual impairments and promotes, establishes and/or supports other projects and programmes of a charitable nature.

Councillor O’Neill, who represents the Kilpatrick ward, said: "It is a privilege to be nominated to serve on the Blindcraft Trust.

"It is vitally important that the interests of all from our society are appropriately represented and that steps are taken to ensure that everyone has a voice."

All local authorities have a legal duty to support the welfare of blind and partially sighted residents.

If Councillor O’Neill's appointment is confirmed by the Trust, he will also attend its two meetings each year and assist in deciding applications for the Trust’s funds.