Sitting outside at lunchtime today, munching on my sandwich, I noticed a blind man who, for some reason, was carrying a large black bin bag, veer off into the bushes. I was just about to ask him if he needed assistance when I realised that his white cane was actually a pointy stick for picking up litter.

I should have known better. Some years ago my parents, concerned for their safety during the dark winter months, bought their yellow labrador (now sadly deceased) a fluorescent yellow harness. As my elderly father stood on the kerb whilst doggy sniffed a lamppost, he was suddenly grasped by the elbow and dragged across the road against his will.

Be very careful before you help the blind. They may not be.

I'm off to get my eyes tested.