SCORES of blind or partially sighted people can continue to enjoy their favourite newspaper thanks to a grant from the owners of the Kidderminster Shuttle.

This week the Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper volunteers were handed a cheque for £2,750 by the Shuttle's editor, Peter John.

The money is essential to cover the cost of buying memory sticks and 'boom box' players.

These allow 160 people across the area to listen to all the news, views and information contained in the Shuttle and read out loud by the Talking Newspaper's team of readers.

The money has been provided by the company that owns the Shuttle, Newsquest, through its Gannett Trust which hands out money to local charities across Britain through its network of local newspapers.

Talking Newspapers is funded entirely from donations but in the last two years income has fallen.

This grant will mean the volunteers can continue to keep people better informed of local news and events.

Editor Peter John said: "The Shuttle has had a very close connection with the Talking Newspaper since its inception in 1980 and we are delighted the Gannett Trust has been able to help it at this time.

"The audience for the paper is growing, which shows how important our local news service is to local people, whether they read our paper in print or online, or have it delivered through the wonderful service the Talking Newspaper provides."

If you have sight problems and want to take advantage of the Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper service, call 01299 823278.