AN OTLEY group that has been producing audio versions of the local news for 30 years is preparing to celebrate National Talking Newspapers Week.

Otley and District Talking Newspaper first started making recordings of news items and distributing them to blind and partially sighted residents in 1984.

The local group, which records stories from the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer, the Ilkley Gazette and the Wharfe Valley Times, is one of more than 500 similar volunteer-run bodies operating across the UK.

National Talking Newspapers Week runs from Sunday, September 7 to Sunday, September 14 and aims to let more people know about the work that is being done throughout the year.

Otley volunteer Susan Rosborough recalled how she first got involved. She said: "Many years ago, I had never heard of a ‘talking newspaper’ but a mention of it in my local paper led me to find out more and to get involved.

"I remember when I read about it, how brilliant I thought it was - it was such an inspired idea to provide free, aural, local news for those who are blind and partially sighted.

"As I found out more, I was also very impressed by the speed and the lack of fuss with which the newspaper was created."

These days the process involves first editing news items each Thursday to ensure they are easy to read and then, on the Friday, reading them aloud and recording them onto a computer.

The results are transferred to memory sticks and posted out to listeners in reusable envelopes as quickly as possible.

Susan said: "This usually means that on Saturday mornings listeners remove the memory stick from the envelope, place it in a simple player, which we can provide, and listen to the newspaper - that talks."

The whole concept began in this country in 1970 after a Welsh librarian, Ronald Sturt [CRRCTT], had been inspired by seeing a talking newspaper in action during a study trip to Sweden two years earlier.

More than 100,000 people in the UK now receive talking newspapers.

Susan added: "It really is an impressive service and something worth celebrating."

Anyone who knows someone who would like to receive an Otley and District Talking Newspaper can find out more by sending an e-mail to mandythompson10@hotmail.com .