A talking newspaper for the blind which distributes around 1,000 copies a month to blind and partially-sighted peoplehas celebrated its 40th anniversary.
The Wickford and District Talking Newspaper, in Essex, marked the milestone with a celebration event earlier this month to coincide with Local Newspaper Week, which ran from 15-19 May.
Around 50 volunteers donate time to read stories aloud from local papers, including the Yellow Advertiser, then distribute the recordings to blind and partially-sighted residents.
Advertiser editor Mick Ferris was among 50 people attended the group’s birthday celebration in Basildon.
Basildon Borough Council member Councillor Terri Sargent, who helped the charity move in 2008 after it lost its old home to a regeneration project, also attended and recorded a story for the next edition of the paper ahead of the party.
She told the YA: “They’ve been going for so long and I feel very proud to have been a part of it. The work they do is absolutely tremendous.”