A TALKING newspaper available in Cirencester has launched a new initiative for housebound listeners this month.

Corinium Talking News is a free service which allows partially-sighted residents to be able to listen to local news each week through a CD.

Jill Leach, chairman of the charity, said: “We realise that there are many people unable to get out of their house or residential home and we want to keep them in touch with what is going on locally, just as we have always done with our visually impaired listeners.

“Once someone is added to our mailing list they will continue to receive our CDs until they tell us to stop.

“So it is very simple as well as being free. You don't need to return the CDs after use,” she added.

92-year-old Joy Lofthouse, an auxiliary pilot during World War Two, who is now partially-sighted, has praised the service provided by Jill and her team.

“I rely heavily on the Corinium Talking News for the local news,” said Joy, “and I am always delighted to find the little yellow envelope in the post containing the free weekly CD.”

For more information call Corinium Talking News on 01285 898594 or email mail@coriniumtalkingnews .org.uk.