James O'Driscoll has become the first blind person in England to become a qualified fitness instructor.

The 37-year-old from Bromley, Kent, enrolled and trained alongside non-disabled students on a CYQ (Central YMCA Qualifications) Level 2 course, leading to an internationally recognised fitness instructor qualification.

He fulfilled all the criteria for the theory and practical components of the course and received additional support, funded by The London Sports Forum for Disabled People, by way of the provision of audio translation and an assistant for practical sessions.

When working in a gym, O'Driscoll will deliver fitness instruction to clients using a model called 'The Eyes of the Instructor'. An assistant acts as O'Driscoll's 'eyes', enabling him to gain information about the clients' physical safety, exercise performance and technique by verbal comment, questioning and prompting.

The assistant does not offer information freely, but is directed by O'Driscoll who leads the session. He will have the permanent support of an Eyes Assistant once he takes up employment as a fitness instructor in his local health club.

O'Driscoll lost his sight eleven years ago due to suffering from a rare form of Optic Neuropathy, a condition which affects around 1 in 20 million people.

He said: "Losing my sight was the best thing that ever happened to me. It made me rethink the way I lived, thought and behaved. It developed me mentally and emotionally and has brought me to a place where I can help others get motivated to lead a more active life."