Sutton Guardian journalist Richard Lyons was plunged into a world of darkness for a day when he discovered how it feels to be blind.

Richard’s ‘experiment’ resulted in him being blindfold and let loose in Epsom, under the watchful eye of the manager of local charity Action for Blind People.

Richard told the Guardian’s readers: “Standing blindfold on the pavement edge, I get a lurch of fear as my hair is lifted by the suck of air generated by the bulk of a speeding lorry.

“I can hear the traffic slow for the waiting pedestrians and my senses tune to the sound of idling car engines in the row of stationary vehicles impatient to progress. The window of time in which I can cross the road has arrived.

“Engulfed in blackness, I step tentatively into the street, sweeping my white cane from side to side to feel my way between the traffic.”

Richard said not being able to see required him to relinquish his independence – and even a routine task such as buying a chocolate bar became an ordeal “riddled with uncertainties and dilemmas”.

He said: “How do I know if I am at the front of the queue? How do I select the chocolate bar I want? How do I give the right money? How do I get the change?

“The honest answer to these questions is that without the aid of sight I can’t do any of these things alone and am forced to rely on the co-operation of others to get the job done.”

Richard was then led around a local shopping centre before taking “the ultimate test” – crossing a road unaided.

He said: “With both feet now off the pavement and my cane leading the way, I must try and keep a straight line while making a brisk bid for the other side of the street.

“Safely reaching the far side, the feeling of relief is temporary as I am made to relive the experience again before the photographer asks me to cross over once more to get some more shots.

“Having gambled with my life for the final time, the blindfold is taken off and I get a sense of bright light and euphoria upon re-entering the visual world.”