A CHARITY that helps the visually impaired has praised the generosity of people who supported its fundraising effort.

The County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially-Sighted, based in Church Lane, held a street collection in the city's Market Place last Tuesday that raised £419.26.

The society, which provides services throughout the county, including talking newspapers and an eye clinic appointment escort service, is having to make up for the loss of a £7,000 RNIB grant.

The charity's volunteer co-ordinator, Sandra Hillyard, said: "I would really like to thank everyone who assisted in the collection, staff and volunteers, for giving up their day to collect for the society, and everyone who helped to fill the buckets.

"Every donation is important, with the recent loss of £7,000 a year funding from the Royal National Institute for the Blind, and volunteers play a crucial role in raising funds for the society and facilitating the service we offer."