A COUNCILLOR who is going blind for a week for charity will receive more top level support today.

Councillor David Newell was blindfolded by Prime Minister Tony Blair last Saturday, who also agreed to sponsor him.

He is remaining sightless until Sunday to raise money for St Dunstan's, a charity which supports armed forces personnel blinded during active service.

He has already had the backing of Defence Minister Geoff Hoon and singer Mick Hucknall out of Simply Red.

Now Durham North-West MP Hilary Armstrong has added her support.

She will be meeting Coun Newell after delivering a speech at Peterlee Leisure Centre this afternoon.

Coun Newell has had a tough week and is looking forward to having his blindfold removed at the Remembrance Day service in Ferryhill on Sunday