A TALKING newspaper has received a £300 boost from Durham's Prince Bishops Shopping Centre.

The centre launched a community fund to help local charities and gave the money to the County Durham Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted, in North Road.

The society produces a fortnightly newspaper on cassette. It has north and south Durham editions, is heard by 737 people and costs £15,000 a year to run.

Centre manager Richard Toynbee said: "I am delighted we can support such a worthwhile initiative, especially one which is of direct benefit to the community. As a centre we are always conscious that we provide an enjoyable shopping experience for everyone, regardless of disability, and this is a great way for us to communicate news and information about the centre to the blind and partially-sighted community.''

There are more than 3,500 visually-impaired people in County Durham, and the society hopes to increase the newspaper's circulation.

Linda Curtis, society director, said: "For many of our listeners the talking newspaper is their only link with other visually-impaired people who share common problems.

"I would like to thank Prince Bishops for their support as the newspaper really does reduce the social exclusion experienced by elderly people whose sight loss prevents them from keeping up to date with news."