Cutty Sark mast climb for 90-year-old

Kelso Yuill said it was a challenge he "could not refuse"

A 90-year-old man will climb the mast of the Cutty Sark to raise money for visually-impaired ex-service personnel.

Kelso Yuill, from Bishop Auckland in County Durham, will attempt the climb on 24 September for the charity Blind Veterans UK.

The main mast of the famous tea clipper in Greenwich is about 152ft (46m) high.

Mr Yuill said: "The climb may not appear to be a huge challenge, but I can’t imagine many 90-year-olds have done this."

He began to support Blind Veterans UK when his son was serving in the Army, with Mr Yuill having completed National Service with the RAF.

"Watching the annual Remembrance Day parade at the Cenotaph, I get quite emotional when the blind veterans march past with heads held high," he said.

"I’m full of admiration for them."

The Cutty Sark used to transport wine, spirits, beer and tea in the late 1800s

Mr Yuill had been planning a trip to the Maritime Museum at Greenwich when he was inspired to fundraise.

"I discovered the opportunity to climb the mast of the Cutty Sark, a challenge I could not refuse," he said.

Blind Veterans UK has provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans since 1915.