An entrepreneurial Caister mum has spoken of her battle for employment and how she was helped into work by a supportive charity for the blind – as she urges others to realise their potential.

Lisa Corbett started to lose her sight when she was 21 and now, aged 47, she has perfect central vision, but no peripheral vision.

She dedicated her life to bringing up her two children and giving her daughter, Emma, who was born brain damaged, one on one care.

When Emma went into independent living Ms Corbett turned her attention to work, but after applying for several jobs she struggled to get an interview. After four years of applying she was told about Action for Blind People, a charity that offers support and advice for blind and partially sighted people across Norfolk.

Ms Corbett said: 'They were really helpful and boosted my confidence. They took me to different places to see if I could get jobs. None of those came off but they stuck by me.'

During a trip to Great Yarmouth to buy knitting supplies she noticed a gap in the market for a wool shop and, with the help of the charity, decided to set up her own business. She has been running Knitters Nook, in Victoria Arcade, for three years and said Action For Blind People continued to help.

'It's lovely that people have given me a chance to prove it can be done, whether you have got a disability or not,' she added.

She is now urging others to take advantage of the charity during its information day at the Forum in Norwich on February 20 from 10am to 3pm.