'It's a very proud moment to wear the uniform'

Dave Heeley handed out citizenship certificates in a ceremony at Sandwell Register Office

He's one of the Black Country's best-known charity fundraisers, who many people associate with marathon running, long-distance cycling and a passion for West Bromwich Albion.

But now Dave Heeley, who's universally known as "Blind Dave", has a civic role to play in his home borough of Sandwell.

The 67-year-old is now a Deputy Lieutenant, part of the West Midlands Lord Lieutenancy.

"It's a very proud moment for me and I feel very privileged to put that uniform on and that OBE medal on my chest," said Mr Heeley.

Lord Lieutenant Derrick Anderson is former chief executive of Wolverhampton Council and was a non-executive director of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

There are 70 Deputy Lieutenants in the West Midlands supporting Lord Lieutenant Derrick Anderson - Mr Heeley is one of six focusing on Sandwell.

The responsibilities of Lord Lieutenants include arranging visits by members of the Royal family, taking part in civic and voluntary events and working with local military units.

Mr Heeley was joined at the latest citizenship ceremony by Sandwell's Mayor, Councillor Syeda Khatun

Mr Heeley wore his Deputy Lieutenant uniform at West Bromwich Albion's Remembrance fixture against Burnley.

"I wore the uniform at the match and I was expecting a bit of ribbing, but it was so lovely, people telling me that I scrubbed up well and asking about the Lord Lieutenancy," said Mr Heeley.

"We're representing the Lord Lieutenant, who in turn is representing the King, and it gives me the opportunity to promote the role."

People must have lived in the UK for five years to apply for citizenship

The appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant is especially important to a man who dreamed of a career in the armed forces as a teenager before a degenerative eye disease led to sight loss.

"When I was 18, I wanted a career in the armed forces," he said.

"For obvious reasons it didn't happen, so for over 50 years I've dreamed of wearing a military uniform.

"I had a stint in the army cadets when I was a kid and really loved the life and it's taken me 50 years to become a Deputy Lieutenant and I've now got the opportunity to put the Crown's uniform on my back.

"And, goodness me, that is a proud feeling, and dreams do come true."

Mr Heeley and his tandem pilot Steve Dugmore were part of a team that spent a week travelling through France and Belgium in September

Team Blind Dave raised £80,000 for The Albion Foundation with a 1,000km (621-mile) cycle ride along the Western Front Way through the World War One battlefields of France and Belgium.

On his return, Mr Heeley attended several Sandwell Remembrance events.

"For me to come back from the Western Front Way and be involved in the Remembrance events in this role was just incredible."

And he has taken part in three citizenship ceremonies at Sandwell Register Office, with the latest seeing 24 people becoming UK citizens.

"I hadn't got a clue what the citizen ceremony was about, but now I'm a part of it, I'm told there are so many smiles on faces and that is a really lovely thing," said Mr Heeley.

Mr Heeley met people from 11 different countries at the latest UK citizenship ceremony at Sandwell Register Office

And wherever Mr Heeley goes, his guide dog Peter is sure to follow, complete with West Bromwich Albion and Black Country flag badges

"I truly hope that kids in this area, or anywhere for that matter, will see a blind man in a uniform and think anything is possible if you put your mind to it," said Mr Heeley.

"And I hope it inspires blind or other disabled people to believe in themselves."