I think the future of the Talking Newspaper depends upon two things. More people are being registered blind than ever before.

Most of them are over 65 and therefore need, their hearing comes into question and they still need to use the domestic tape recorder, easily the most popular form of medium. And the fact that volunteers are still available, although they are too are changing as they age, volunteers for this particular service have never dwindled.

I don't think it will become a professional service as in Sweden, but who's to know. I think the need has clearly changed. We need talking newspapers, we have a form of talking newspapers, it has been remarkably successful. It's spread right throughout the country, you can go to Northern Ireland, even Southern Ireland and find talking newspapers.

And once people know I, or a senior member of the organisation, am in the area, nearly always get invited. But it's spread right through the country, through Wales, through Scotland and through England. Right through Great Britain. I think the talking newspaper in one form or another will outlive most of us.