THEY are a remarkable group, knowledgeable about literature, eager to discuss the books they read and always keen to discover new writers.

What makes them different is that the members of the Crown Street Reading Group, in Darlington, can hardly see.

But that has not stopped them enjoying their literature and on Monday they celebrated the group's second anniversary.

The group, which meets at Darlington Library in Crown Street, was created by Jennifer Moutrey, a senior library assistant with responsibility for special needs services.

She was inspired partly because research has shown that of the 100,000 books published each year, less than five per cent are made available in formats such as braille, large print or on tape.

The 15 group members, who are registered blind, listen to talking books and readings from large print books at their sessions, which are held from 2pm on the first Monday of each month.

Ms Moutrey said: "Listening to stories is important for people with sight problems. It can be a lonely life when you can't see and books can take you into another world."

The group was set up with the help of a grant from the National Library for the Blind and has created close links with organisations such as the Darlington Talking Newspaper.

Group member Ian Metcalfe, 69, of Darlington, started to lose his sight in 1997 and joined in December as he came to terms with the loss of his wife.

He said: "It gives me an insight into other books and what other people are reading.

"Reading is relaxing and with talking books you can do it anywhere."

Norah Bianchi, 85, of Cockerton, a founder member, started to lose her sight in her early seventies.

She said: "I have always read ever since I was a child. There is so much pleasure in books and in meeting people at the group. It is such a nice, happy group. It is something to look forward to."

* New members are welcome to attend the monthly meetings.