Visually-impaired people in and around Ammanford are reminded that they can receive a monthly digest of news and features for free.

In recent months the South Wales Guardian office has welcomed Ammanford Talking News into its fold, where they record the monthly editions.

Ammanford Talking News – the audio newspaper for the visually impaired– is run by Garnant couple and hard-working volunteers John and Pauline Barker, who have been responsible for getting the editions out for the past 12 years.

Each edition has about 150 listeners who receive their electronic version of the paper on a CD each month.

The council-funded service is provided free of charge.

Ammanford Talking News has been running for a number of years and John and Pauline are the only two dedicated contributors left to carry out the service.

“Years ago there was as many as 27 people putting the news out, but those days are long gone,” said John.

“Now it is just my wife Pauline and I who manage to put it together within a couple of days. It’s all down to modern technology these days.

“I use my iPad to record and then it is edited back at home on my computer and is sent out the next day.”

Of course there is a band of volunteers who help out each month, lending their voices to the CD.

“We are always grateful to the members of the public who come along and read the Guardian for us. Although we can always do with more volunteers,” said Pauline.

“The listeners are incredibly grateful. People say it is the highlight of their month when the CD arrives – the work is very rewarding.”

If you are able to volunteer, or want to know more about Ammanford Talking News ring John and Pauline Barker on 01269 824259 or email ammanfordtn@gmail.com.