A COMPANY has won a national award for its ground-breaking software designed to enhance the independence of people suffering from sight loss.

Software Express, located in Langley Park, Durham, fought off stiff competition to win first prize in the category of product development at an awards event backed by the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) and held in London.

Guide software, which was launched last year, has been specifically developed to enhance accessibility to computer technology for all people with sight loss.

Using its own in-built screen reader and screen magnifier, Guide uses simple menu options to lead the user through every stage of word processing a document, sending an e-mail, surfing the Internet or even scanning and reading a book. All its commands are delivered by a human-sounding voice and it is operated solely via the keyboard.

Adrian Sach, director of Software Express, said: "We're a relatively young company, so winning this award is particularly significant and has given us all a tremendous boost.

"With the financial and marketing support from Derwentside District Council, we carried out a lot of research before launching the product, which has clearly proved worthwhile."

District council marketing support manager Andrea McGuigan said: "We're delighted for Adrian and all the team at Software Express.

"The business is going from strength-to-strength and I'm pleased Derwentside council was able to play a part in their success."