SUPPORTERS of Blackburn and District Blind Society are offering the chance for members to enjoy listening to the Lancashire Telegraph.

For many years the society, now based at NJK House, off Haslingden Road, has delivered regular editions of the Talking Newspaper.

Volunteers record selected articles from the Telegraph and create audio files to send out. The society also compiles a monthly magazine, from a variety of sources, on the same proviso.

Society chief exec Mike Latham said: "The blind society in Blackburn has funding to offer another free subscription year to our blind and visually impaired members who listen to the Talking Newspaper.

"The talking newspaper is an audio recording of articles in the Lancashire Telegraph. If you are blind or have a vision loss and would like to take advantage of this free offer, contact the society on 01254 698683."

The Talking Newspaper and the magazine are usually available to members for a small subscription fee.

But the newspaper is just one service offered by the society, which can trace its history back to 1881 and has survived a number of threats to its existence down the years.

One is their vision loss support sessions, designed to offer advice and info for people with a sight loss, family members and carers, covering everything from eye health, certification and registration, to maintaining and improving independence, benefits, rights, support, recreation activities and how to access statutory services.

The latter could include council services, independent living support, the carers service, Care Network, Age UK, the Macular Society and the RNIB

Straightforward practical assistance is also provided through access to magnifiers, lighting, talking clocks and watches and other day-to-day equipment available that may help with everyday jobs and items of technology to look at and try.

Member can access information in different formats, according to need, from braille and large print to audio.

The society says it can also arrange appropriate basic computer training using audio software and equipment, as well as loaning braille machine for a quarterly charge.

And externally it offers blind awareness training for everything from business to transport services, public services, clubs, other charities, schools and colleges.

For those who may need specific advice there is also a telephone befriending service, which can also support visually-impaired or blind people who feel isolated or lonely.