THE Royal National Institute for the Blind is appealing to people in West Devon to join them as volunteers to help those who suffer from sight loss.

The RNIB is committed to helping people regain as much independence as possible, and to restoring the equality of opportunity which can so often be lost as a result of sight loss.

This is achieved by providing talking books, transcription of a wide range of written material into Braille, a special school for children and acting as an advocate for blind and partially sighted people.

Ian Chapman, an RNIB volunteer, said there was an urgent need for people to become involved with raising funds at store collections, and in organising Sooty collecting boxes for retail outlets and other public places.

He said: 'If anyone would like to alleviate some of the loss of quality of life of blind people by volunteering, or who wants to find out more about this interesting and worthwhile way of helping others, they call the RNIB in the South West on 01626 334375 or 0845 6030575.'