A second local talking newspaper for the blind has announced its closure due to a slump in listeners.

South West Dorset Talking Newspaper, which featured stories from the Dorset Echo, has sent off its final weekly recording after 36 years of service.

The charity’s closure comes just weeks Brighton Talking Newspaper revealed it would be ceasing after 47 years.

SWDTN told the Echo that with the “progress of the internet” and devices, the need for a weekly service provided by the talking newspaper had “a finite appeal”.

Chairman Ann Sawtell said listener numbers per week had dropped from about 400 to just 50.

Ms Sawtell added: “We have a 94-year-old who is really going to miss it and looks forward to it every week but there is a limit for how many people you can do it for.

“Due to advances in technology we have found that our listener numbers are falling, we are finding it impossible to get volunteers to serve on our committee.

“Our team of over 60 volunteers has worked hard over the years to provide this service, and we would like to thank everyone who has helped us.”