A BLIND charity worker has died at the age of 81.

Gerald Locke’s life changed for ever when he lost his sight at the age of 33 due to glaucoma.

But he coped well and went on to spend 25 years working for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Mr Locke, pictured, was born and bred in Bury and worked in a bicycle repair shop, later becoming transport director for the Alfred Bell company.

He gave up work when he went blind and spent three months undergoing rehabilitation in Torquay.

He took up a role with the RNIB and his wife, Frances, acted as his driver as he travelled to collect donations and give talks in schools, including many across the borough.

Mr Locke’s work saw him receive an invitation to a Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace, where he met Princess Diana.

His daughter, Shirley Carney, said: “He loved working with the RNIB.

“He visited a lot of schools and loved talking to children.

“He was delighted to be invited to the garden party and was thrilled to meet Princess Diana. She came over especially to speak to him and was holding his hand.

“It was a very special memory for him.”

Mr Locke later moved to Leeds with his work but settled in Greenbank Road, Radcliffe, when he retired.

He enjoyed using computers, trying out new gadgets and listening to talking books.

He died in hospital on Sunday after suffering from pneumonia, leaving his wife of 56 years, three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, January 26, at 2pm at Radcliffe Crematorium.