A SOUTH Essex media firm that provides news for the visually impaired has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Wickford and District Talking Newspaper, which has been commended by the Queen, provides news recordings for residents in the Basildon District, including readings from the Echo. On Monday it celebrated its anniversary with a tea party and visit from parliamentary candidates Mark Francois and Stephen Metcalfe. Technical manager Mike Ballinger, 70, told of Talking Newspaper’s pride.

He said: “We are very proud to have been supplying the service for 40 years.

“We are also proud of all of our volunteers who give their time to make this possible. We know how much the blind people of Essex appreciate the hard work, because they tell us so. It’s crucial people can find out what’s been going on in their communities.”