UNIVERSITY students are helping a Durham charity dedicated to looking after the blind and partially-sighted.

They are working through Durham University Student Community Action on projects run by the County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially-Sighted.

The charity, in Church Lane, Durham, has a befriending scheme, driver escort scheme, two talking newspapers and a computer mentoring scheme.

The charity's volunteer co-ordinator, Sandra Hillyard, said: "Volunteers from the university have greatly contributed to community fund-raising efforts, emptying collection boxes and taking part in fundraising events for the society."

Student Tim Liptrott, who helps with fundraising and also tandem cycles with a visually-impaired person, said: "I enjoy volunteering for the society. It's a great way to combine my hobby of cycling and help someone at the same time."

Anyone who wants to get involved with the society's work can contact Ms Hillyard on 0191-386 8175.