A sports and social club for visually impaired people is inviting people in Swindon to get involved.

The Swindon Lions have been meeting fortnightly for the last 50 years, regularly inviting charities to speak about their work in the community.

Last week, Swindon BATS' chair, Becky Harrison, and secretary, Sue Mead, gave a presentation explaining the wide range of activities the group organises for people with visual impairments.

BATS is not an acronym, but a reference to the phrase "Blind as Bats," the Lions Club's president, Peter Kennewell, learnt during an early exchange.

Ms Harrison ended her presentation by saying: "The loss of sight can be a very frightening and isolating experience.

"Swindon BATS exists to enhance the lives of people with sight loss - ensuring they can continue to enjoy all that life has to offer - friendship, access to social activities and sport and generally having a good time with a smile on the face."

Ms Mead added: "Sight loss can be present from birth or occur at any age and to people of all backgrounds.

"We have members from 20 years of age through to 88 and would be delighted to welcome additional members of any age.

"Please contact us by email on info@SwindonBats.org or by phone on 07788 150487."

Among the activities Swindon BATS offers are bowls, acoustic rifle shooting, ice hockey, theatre trips, quiz nights, and even axe throwing.

These activities allow members to take part in national competitions.

They are also introduced to emerging sports like Showdown, described as a mix between table tennis and air hockey, which could feature at the Paralympics in the future.

Mr Kennewell said: "Making a success of any charitable organisation is no easy task but both Swindon Lions and Swindon BATS have impressive track records of making important contributions to the lives of many people in and around Swindon.

"I look forward to taking part in a 10 pin bowling evening with our friends from BATS.

"I’m told we will be invited to wear glasses that mimic sight loss; which I have no doubt will serve to emphasise the remarkable fortitude and determination of those that live every minute of every day with little or no sight.

"We would be delighted to welcome those with visual impairment into the Lions family to help us to continue to support worthy causes in the area. “