Members of Matlock Rotary Club looked into the needs of disabled residents and came up with an idea to help people enjoy the news even though they could not read the paper. On October 19, 1978 Matlock Talking Newspaper was born.

Three decades later, the scheme is still changing lives for blind and partially-sighted people across the area.

Back in 1978 Rotary members produced a pilot tape based on the Matlock Mercury and Derbyshire Times.

The news was recorded onto tapes by members of Matlock Talking Newspaper Association and distributed to blind and visually impaired people.

Tod Dakin from Matlock Talking Newspaper Association said the response was over whelmingly positive and they immediately set up fundraising schemes to buy equipment. With help from Cath Smith, a social worker for the blind, the service was launched in 1978.

Today the papers are read and recorded in homes of association members with around 45 volunteers keeping the service up and running.

Tod added: "We get lots of letters of appreciation from listeners. It certainly has changed lives. They are so grateful for it."

The Talking Newspaper is free for people who are registered blind or with a visual impairment certified by a doctor or ophthalmologist.

The service is not grant-aided and is funded by donations and fundraising.

Secretary Chris Fryer said they received around £500 in donations last year but machine repairs were often expensive.

She added: "We are reliant on donations and they are very gratefully received.

"Matlock Rotary have been very good over the years."

Many of the volunteers have been involved with the service for 30 years and take it in turns to read the newspaper on Thursday evenings.

Tod said: "It just amazes me it is still running 30 years later and what amazes me more is I'm still here 30 years later. It is a wonderful service."

People who are registered blind can ask their social worker to apply to the Talking Newspaper on their behalf. For partially-sighted people, a certificate will be needed.