THE Marlborough Talking Newspaper continues to be a success 14 years after it started, its annual meeting was told.

The meeting at the Jubilee Rooms in Marlborough last Wednesday was attended by many of the volunteers who read the news, largely sourced from the Gazette, on to tapes each week.

Since the talking newspaper was launched in 1987 for the blind and sight impaired in the Marlborough and Pewsey areas, it has only missed one edition when its tape equipment failed.

Recording co-ordinator and treasurer Ian Philpott told the meeting that the listeners depended on the taped news service often as their only way of keeping in touch with the local news. He said a back-up recording machine would ensure that no future editions would be missed.

Mr Philpott said the finances of the group remained healthy thanks to grants from Kennet District Council and the Alec Gale Foundation.

Chairman Basil Frost said listeners regularly sent notes back with the returned tapes which the Royal Mail handles free of charge complimenting the service or adding suggestions.

Mr Frost, who has been in the chair since the newspaper started in 1987, said listener numbers had dropped to 55, but added that numbers do fluctuate and was confident they would creep back up.

Mr Philpott said there was a record number of volunteers to help read the news and prepare tapes for circulation.

Certificates for ten years' service were presented to volunteers Jean Barnard, Barbara Clauson and Lynda Farrington. Mr Frost praised Paul Nash and Eddie Lomax who stood down this year.

Anyone registered blind or partially sighted is eligible to receive the newspaper. Application should be made to Rodney Stone on (01672) 810218.