THE Redditch Talking Newspaper, which provides a vital service for those who are blind or partially sighted, will be celebrating its 40th anniversary.

To mark the special milestone the group will be holding a party on Saturday, September 17 at its Community House headquarters in Easemore Road, Redditch.

Local dignitaries are being invited to join listeners and volunteers to celebrate.

Furthermore, The Redditch Talking Newspaper, started in 1976 by Ewart Clarke, is including news from the Bromsgrove Advertiser for recording and distributing to blind and partially sighted people in Bromsgrove.

A spokesman from the group said: "It is a credit to all the volunteers who have faithfully read and recorded the news on a weekly basis over these years for this worthwhile cause.

"It is hoped that people who previously received the tapes of Bromsgrove local news together with others who may have difficulty reading the news for themselves will get in touch."

For more information, call Margaret Mountford on 01527 451292 or email mmountford@blueyonder.co.uk.

If anyone would like to get involved in producing the talking newspaper, call 01527 451292.