UNIVERSITY staff have helped make life easier for visually impaired people visiting one of the region's attractions.

To help them find their way more easily around the National Railway Museum, in York, they have produced tactile guides.

Visitors use their fingertips to trace their way around the building and its famous engines following the guide, which is a two-dimensional picture of lines, shapes and textures.

The guide has been tested by visually impaired people, who were so impressed by it that five copies have been produced for the museum. It can be used with a free audio tour.

Many visually impaired people trying to find their way around public buildings or museums say they would prefer a tactile map to a person guiding them.

Pictures and diagrams, which give information when touched, can also be used to explain particular exhibits.

The service from York University's Tactile Images group will also help companies and public bodies comply with legislation on disabled access, giving them the opportunity to develop maps and audio guides.

The team leader is Dr Alistair Edwards, whose research focuses on making computers easier for blind people to use.

He said: "Our first step was to look at producing a portable tactile guide to include Braille, large print and tactile pages.

"We are also looking at ways in which people with visual impairments can safely orientate their way around the whole museum and perceive the shape and scale of the exhibits.