Ron Cordnor, 74, was devastated when he went blind eight years ago after suffering from dry age-related macular degeneration.

Ever since, Mr Cordnor has had to face a torrent of abuse from mindless thugs who pick on him because of his disability.

Today, a charity representing the blind told how the problem is a major issue, which often goes unreported with victims too frightened to turn to the police.

Ron, of Warkworth Avenue, Horden, said: "Every day of the week when I'm out I get verbally abused.

"They swear at me and shout things like 'watch out', and 'where are you going'?

"I've even had people in cars shouting out of the window."

On one occasion, Ron accepted assistance crossing a road from a group of lads – only to be left stranded.

Ron, a volunteer who helps blind and partially-sighted people use computers, said: "They left me in the middle of the road, and then if that wasn't enough, they started twirling me around.

"I ended up standing with traffic either side of me. Luckily someone came and asked me where I was going and I eventually got home."

On another occasion, a group of girls surrounded Ron near to his home.

Ron said: "They seemed to be dancing around me, and I didn't know what to do next, so I just started screaming."

Charity Action for Blind People has published new research which shows that a visually impaired person is half as likely as a sighted person to turn to the police if they experience verbal or physical abuse.

Stephen Remington, chief executive at Action for Blind People, said: "We are urging blind and partially sighted people who are experiencing verbal and/or physical abuse to report it, so that the true extent of the problem can be identified and something can be done about it."

For further information and advice, contact Action for Bind People's freephone helpline on 0800 915 4666 or visit www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk