A PIONEERING course to teach Braille to sighted people in Stockton should start paying dividends for visually impaired people soon.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, employers and service providers are required to communicate with blind people in the medium of their choice.

However, with few members of staff able to read or write Braille, blind and visually impaired people still receive their letters in print, which have to be read to them.

As a result, Stockton Borough Council's adult education service and Stockton Blind People's Voice set up a training course to teach sighted people to read and write Braille.

The first course, which began in September, proved extremely popular and the 12 students meet every week at Portrack Community Centre.

Next month, the council's chief executive, George Garlick, will present certificates to the students who have completed the course.

Course tutor Linda Oliver, who is blind, said: "I am so impressed by the progress the students are making. It was my birthday during the course and the students actually sent me cards written in Braille."

For further information, call Gail Henegan, on (01642) 397364.