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Talking newspaper marks 40th anniversary with party

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.

Volunteers from the talking newspaper at the part. Credit: Martin Dalton

Volunteers from the talking newspaper at the party. Credit: Martin Dalton

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.”