A VITAL service that helps to keep visually impaired people in tune with what's happening in South Lakeland is switching to digital equipment this month, reports Caroline Barber.

The area's talking newspaper will be distributed around the district via USB key - a digital memory device - thanks to a grant from the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of The Westmorland Gazette's parent company.

The funding of £5,000 has enabled South Lakeland Talking Newspaper Assoc-iation, which has been sending out news and sports stories, features and community information since 1973, to purchase recording equipment, USB keys and a playback device for each user of the service.

It is the biggest change since the Kendal-based charity stopped recording on to reels in favour of cassette tapes.

Bruce Carnaffin, association chairman, said the first digital edition would be sent out next Friday, February 15.

"We certainly aren't piloting the digital system but we are among the first talking newspapers in the country to do this.

"We did some trials with around 20 members to make sure there were no glitches and we are now ready to take the whole operation digital.

"There are many benefits, such as being able to keep the original quality of the recording once the information is transferred on to each memory stick."

Around 50 volunteers are involved in producing the talking newspaper, described as a labour-intensive process by Mr Carnaffin.

A number of groups of people edit the stories on Fridays to ensure each recorded edition contains as much information as possible.

Then, other members read the text so it can be recorded using digital software before being copied ready for distribution to 160 people through the Post Office.

Other methods of recording had been considered, such as re-writeable compact discs and uploading to the Internet.

A full version of the talking newspaper will, in fact, be available via the www.thewestmorland gazette.co.uk website.

But Mr Carnaffin added: "Some people don't have broadband and there were some reliability problems with the CDs, so for us, the memory sticks were the right way to go.

"Some people were a bit apprehensive about the change at first, but we guarantee to visit anyone who has any problems to make sure they don't miss out on the news.

"The last change we made was from reel-to-reel to master cassette tape, so we are delighted to have been able to do move forward again with digital technology.

"We hope those that enjoy the talking newspaper, and consider it a vital service, will feel the benefits."

Anyone who would like to find out more about the Talking Newspaper of South Lakeland Association or existing users who would like assistance with the new equipment should contact Mr Carnaffin on 01539-720172.

caroline.barber@kendal.

newsquest.co.uk