BLIND and partially sighted students from Worcester are to take part in their first Lord Mayor’s Show this weekend.

Students from New College Worcester will be marching with the Worshipful Company of Lightmongers float at the event on Saturday.

By taking part, the college hopes to showcase the sporting success of its students.

From teaching a student to swim for the first time to supporting a student training for the 2012 Paralympics, the college says it’s its ‘can-do’ attitude that encourages students to push themselves to reach their full potential.

By becoming affiliated with the Lightmongers, New College Worcester will now have the opportunity to raise further funds to support their students’ sporting ambitions, providing equipment, kit and travel expenses to international competitions.

New College Worcester principal Mardy Smith said: “Taking part in this prestigious and 6,000-strong parade will give our students a unique experience of London’s proud cultural heritage.

“All those taking part are proud to have been chosen and very excited at the prospect of being part of such a celebrated occasion.”

Jack Roughan, aged 15, who is among the students taking part in the show, is training hard for 2012.

As well as winning the disability category of the OCS Young Sports Person Award 2009 he has been busy competing in 100m, 200m and long jump.

He said: “I’m really proud to represent the college in London and show that sport can be accessible to anyone, whether you’re visually impaired or not.