FOR the last 15 years Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper has reached more than 300 people a week - and organisers are appealing for more volunteers and listeners.Reader John Tasler, secretary and reader Barbara Smith, chairman and editor Sue Dickins and presenter Mike Dickins in the studio.

The charitable organisation provides tape recordings of the Shuttle/Times and News for "anyone who has trouble picking up a newspaper", including blind and visually impaired people.

However, chairman and editor Sue Dickins said the organisation, which has been run by fundraising and donations since it was set up by Kidderminster Lions 23 years ago, is not achieving its full potential.Technician and vice chairman Peter Barlow and chief editor Eileen Tasker.

She said the weekly publication, which is recorded solely by volunteers in studios opposite the police station in Habberley Lane, Kidderminster, needs more listeners and helpers to complement three teams of 15 people and technicians who take it in turns to record the publication.

"We're looking for more listeners because we've got the capacity. At the same time, three of our readers are leaving, so we could do with anybody who is interested in being a volunteer getting involved," she said.

"Each week we record more than 300 tapes for blind and visually disabled people and we have been able to extend our range so we can send them to anyone who has a disability which means they can't pick up a newspaper."

Mrs Dickins went on to say they also catered for an estimated 20 people who had moved away, and added listeners did not even need a tape recorder of their own.

"We loan tape recorders out to people, which is becoming important now because there aren't many places any more where you can find a simple, easy to handle tape recorder," she explained.

The former teacher from Kidderminster, who became involved with Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper 20 years ago with her husband Mike, added it was a hugely enjoyable pursuit.

"We were looking for something to do and we saw this and thought it was something we could both do," she said.

"And to be honest it does not need too much involvement as long as you're prepared to set aside Friday nights.

"There's a great sense of comradeship and a sense that what we do is worthwhile."

Anyone interested in receiving or helping out with Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper should contact Mrs Dickins on 01562 752640.