AMATEUR radio enthusiasts have raised £660 for the British Wireless for the Blind charity.

Members of the Swindon Amateur Radio Club set up a mast outside the Designer Outlet Village and contacted fellow enthusiasts from across the world.

The club members had secured sponsorship for their hours on air.

British Wireless for the Blind is devoted to providing radios and cassette recorders for people with vision problems, who might otherwise feel cut off from the outside world.

Club member Mike Beale, 63, from Stratton St Margaret, said: "We made contact with more than 400 people. It is great fun and we talk about anything from technical matters to the weather."

Besides sponsorship for the annual event, funds were also raised with donations from passing shoppers.

Mr Beale added: "Everyone was very generous, and filled our buckets with contributions. Radio is a life line for blind people, so we were thrilled with the response."

Members were particularly pleased with the day because they managed to make contact with someone as far a field as the Philippines.

The club, which has around 50 members, recently celebrated its 80th anniversary.

Tony Bettley, 63, from Covingham, has been a member since 1973.

He said: "I have always liked listening to short wave radio, and joining the club is a great way to meet people."