WIRRAL people who are visually impaired are being urged to come forward if they're in need of a specially adapted free radio.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) provides equipment such as radios to those with sight loss across the country who meet its criteria.

The charity believes there is around 140 visually impaired people in the borough but estimates that there are another 660 who could benefit from the service.

Regional development manager for North West Sophie Weldon said: “We’ve done a lot of research into gathering data about the numbers of people with sight loss across the UK so we know where we could be reaching more people.

“We’ve got volunteers ready and willing to distribute our radios in and around Wirral so we’re hoping to be able to help the hundreds of people we know are out there and eligible.

“Our radios are vital to someone who cannot see – they provide news, information and entertainment but also, more importantly, companionship and friendly voice.”

Radio sets are issued to those who are registered blind or partially sighted, over the age of eight, resident in the UK and in receipt of a means-tested benefit.

For more information on how to qualify or know someone who does contact: sophie@blind.org.uk or call 07540724063.