MICHAEL Hartley, registered blind since 1986, hopes his achievements will encourage other visually-impaired people that life does not stop because of sight problems, reports Emma Chesworth.

Mr Hartley, a trustee with the South Lakeland Voluntary Society for the Blind, has just completed a Certificate of Higher Education in General Arts from Bristol University.

He hopes that his success will show other visually-impaired people that life is exciting and full of opportunities.

"I started the course as I was interested in different types of art and also for the achievement in studying for the certificate," said Mr Hartley.

"I believe Bristol University is the only university in the country to run special courses for visually impaired people and I went on several summer residential courses for my certificate."

Mr Hartley studied creative writing, literature, the development of man and the history of English country houses during the course and now hopes to put pen to paper and write for stage and radio.

"Losing your sight is not the end of the world - there are still exciting things open to people with visual impairment," added Mr Hartley, a retired catering manager.

"I have always been visually impaired but it was only when I was registered blind I realised just how much many blind people are missing out on because they do not know what support is out there for them."

Mr Hartley told how presenters from Channel 4's Time Team programme led a course on making and using prehistoric tools.

"Mike Aston and Phil Harding from the programme taught us how to make flint tools and to use them to skin and butcher a rabbit.

It is something I never imagined myself doing."

As well as Bristol University, Mr Hartley also attended some courses at Lancaster University.

Mr Hartley will be presented with his Certificate of Higher Education at a ceremony at Bristol University on May 11.