A TALKING newspaper service that provides a vital link to keep listeners in touch with their local communities looks set to expand thanks to a charity grant.

The Gannett Foundation, sponsored by The Northern Echo's US parent company Gannett, is to donate £6,000 to the County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted.

The society, based in Durham City, runs a wide range of services for more than 2,000 blind and partially-sighted people in the county.

Among the services is the society's two fortnightly talking newspapers, serving north and south Durham, that keep 700 regular listeners up to date with a mix of vital information and community news.

Until now, the newspapers have been prepared on tape, but the society, which was established in 1987, wants to upgrade to CD and widen its circulation among the thousands of people in the county affected by sight loss.

The project will cost about £15,000, which means members are now well on their way towards the target thanks to the latest contribution.

Yesterday, members Linda Curtis, Sandra Hillyard, Calvin Hedley and Elaine Badrick, along with her dog, four-year-old Roger, were delighted to learn their application had been successful.

Ms Curtis, the project manager, said: "It is great news - £6,000 is a big chunk of the money we need.

"The talking newspapers keep people involved in their communities, keep them in touch and stop them feeling isolated. We concentrate on news that people can't get from TV or radio, and any advice on treatments or welfare benefits which are of particular interest to them."

About 20 volunteers help with the production and distribution of the newspapers.

For further information about the project, contact County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted on 0191-386 8175.