THE blind and visually impaired in Chippenham can still keep on top of local news in the area thanks to a charity who record and distribute sound clips of stories.

Talking Newspapers distribute free recordings of the Gazette and Herald to more than 60 people in the local area who are not able to read copies of the paper.

Recordings are taken on Thursday mornings at a studio in The Cause on London Road, with 38 volunteers giving up their time to read and record the clips which take around two hours each.

Gwyn Rees, who has been volunteering with his wife Margaret for six years, said: “We see ourselves as going into people’s homes really.

“There’s one lady who has been a widow for many years and she finds that Sunday is the loneliest time so that’s when she plays the tapes because there’s a friendly voice.

“We do get a lot of good feedback from people.

“We try and make it as light-hearted as possible and we know that people appreciate that.”

Memory sticks are sent out via free post and returned in the same way to residents in both private and community accommodation, and Talking Newspapers are encouraging more people who may need recordings to get in touch.

“Until about 18 months ago we had always done it on cassette tapes but now time is not an issue,” added Mr Rees.

“You used to be limited, half an hour on either side but with memory sticks we can make them longer.”

Anyone interested in receiving a memory stick should contact Mr Rees on 01249 659305.