A CHARITY that helps the blind is looking for "friends'' who can help it develop its services.

The County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted, in North Road, Durham, helps the county's visually impaired people with services including talking newspapers, a home visiting scheme and driver escort service.

It is launching a Friends of the Society and is seeking people - visually impaired or sighted - to get involved.

Involvement could entail donating money or raffle prizes, volunteering, organising fundraising events, adopting a coin box, helping with the society's newsletters or taking part in a focus group.

Friends will receive a news-letter with information about the society and its work.

Anyone interested in getting involved can obtain more details by calling Ms Hillyard on 0191-386 8175.