A TALKING newspaper has welcomed its first-ever volunteer to have sight loss themselves.

Fran Cogger has signed up to help the Knutsford Talking Newspaper, an audio version of the Knutsford Guardian for people with impaired vision. 

Fran wasn’t sure how much she would be able to assist, due to being partially sighted herself.

But after being invited to take a look at how it all works, Fran and husband David have found roles that suit them.

Chair of the Talking Newspaper Clive Howlett said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Fran and David into our friendly group of volunteers, particularly as it’s the first time we have had a volunteer who is partially sighted.

“Now Fran has broken the ice, I very much hope we might be able to welcome other partially sighted people to help with the Talking Newspaper. We always need copiers! 

“It’s just one afternoon or evening a month and it means so much to blind or partially sighted people who like to keep up with local news and events.”

The Talking Newspapers selects articles from the Knutsford Guardian for volunteers to read aloud.

These readings are done in a hi-fi studio and recorded on to memory sticks.

Once a master memory stick has been produced the process moves into its final stage, copying and posting to listeners.

The recording is first copied to around 50 other memory sticks which are then put into envelopes and sent off to listeners.

Fran was delighted to find that she was able to help out with this part of the process.

She said: “ I was really pleased that I was able to do the final stage in producing and distributing the Talking Newspaper.

“My husband David will be with me, as ideally you need two or three people to do this final stage anyway, and he can also help if I need it.”

Knutsford Talking Newspaper is on the lookout for more volunteers.

Anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to contact the paper's secretary Frances McGee on 07814564858 or by email fmclella@yahoo.com.