The 61-year-old has Goldman-Favre Syndrome, a rare eye condition that affects retinas, leading to night blindness, vision loss and retinal degeneration.

Six months ago, Mr Roberts, who is partially blind, graduated as a Seeing Eye Dogs handler with Nikki, a yellow Labrador cross golden retriever.

She has changed his life.

"It's amazing the difference she's made by giving me more confidence to get out and about," Mr Roberts says.

"She stops me from becoming a recluse."

Mr Roberts is anything but. He plays the bass and rhythm guitars in a duo and regularly plays gigs in Trentham.

He's also a competitive cyclist. In October he completed the 210-kilometre Around the Bay in a Day event, and he's learning how to ride a unicycle. Now he's looking for a riding partner.

"I got a unicycle a fortnight ago and I'm learning to ride it. I've been fascinated with them ever since I was a kid. As long as I've got someone to follow behind I'm right. It's awesome fun.

Nikki has fitted in with my active lifestyle really well. She makes everything easier."

Mr Roberts says the Trentham community has been very supportive of him and Nikki.

"Here in town people are totally besotted with my wonderful dog. They watch out for where I am and if I sit her down, they know they can have a pat. But if she's standing, most people know not to touch her."

Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, a division of Vision Australia, helps match people like Mr Roberts with a specially trained dog.

Vision Australia says that with a rising number of Australians losing their sight each year, the need for qualified Seeing Eye Dogs is growing rapidly.

It costs about $30,000 to train a dog. The organisation is looking for more puppy sponsors to support the service.

Details: Vision Australia, 1300847466 or visit visionaustralia.org