AN innovative 'speaking eye' has been made available for blind people thanks to a £1,000 donation by Blackburn Lions.

The device, known as Pronto, scans documents and reads them out loud giving blind people the chance to deal with their own correspondence in private.

Pronto is being kept at the Blackburn and District Blind Society headquarters in Thwaites House, Railway Road.

Mike Mulcahy, chief executive of the society, is delighted with the new service and said he expects Pronto to be extremely popular.

"Visually impaired people will be able bring documents into the centre and listen, in private, to letters, bills, reports and even book pages without them having to use headphones," said Mike.

"In addition, they can even tape the audio output and take it with them if they want to.

"I would sincerely like to thank Blackburn Lions on behalf of everyone who uses our facilities.

"This is not the first time the Lions have helped us and it is warmly appreciated," he added.

Harry Pennington, Lions' Vice President, said the money had been raised at last year's Gala.

"The equipment had to be ordered from Australia and it has taken until now to bring it into service.

"Having seen it in operation, I am sure it will see good service and is money well spent."

Anyone wanting further information, or wanting to use the equipment, should contact the centre on 01254 54143.

Documents to be read should be type written.