MORE blind and partially-sighted people in Oxfordshire will hear news from the Oxford Mail and its sister titles, thanks to grants to two groups.

The Didcot, Abingdon and Wantage Talking Newspaper -- better known as Dawn -- has received £3,500 and Oxford and District Talking News has £2,500 to buy new audio recording equipment to make tapes.

Dawn, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, already provides tapes weekly to 160 people living in the three towns and neighbouring villages.

Based at Abingdon Hospital, the group had applied for a £1,750 grant towards the £8,750 it needs to buy five new recorders, which will allow more tapes to be produced faster.

Dawn treasurer Dr Paul Dickinson said: "We were really surprised to hear Gannett had doubled our bid.

"Our members tell us that the tapes are a lifeline for them. They help them to keep in touch with what's going on in the local community and that means so much. This will enable us to continue our work and help more people if the need is there."

Oxford and District Talking News volunteers also record news tapes weekly, distributing them to about 200 blind and partially- sighted people in Oxford.

Treasurer Jose Powles, of Mark Road, Headington, Oxford, who has been involved with the organisation for 15 years, said: "This scheme is loved by members because it helps them keep in touch with the local community.

"They can listen to radio stations, but they do not provide the same thorough news coverage as local newspapers such as the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times."