A CHARITY for blind people will buy a second Braille machine after a £2,000 donation.

The BlindVoice UK, formerly Stockton Blind People's Voice, was given the money by Yorkshire Building Society's Charitable Foundation.

The charity, unlike many others, is run by blind people for blind and visually impaired people. It provides many services in the Stockton area, including a young people's social group and a drop-in centre.

There is also a professional transcription service which members are developing so the charity can earn money and is less dependent on grants.

The donation from the Yorkshire Building Society will be used towards the purchase of a Braille embosser.

A large amount of print is translated into Braille and the purchase of a second machine will ensure the charity can continue to maintain the valuable service.

Founder member and chairman George Glass said: "This is excellent news. We now have no worries about our old embosser breaking down.

"We are really pleased that a local foundation has found our work worthy of such a generous donation"

Louise Neill, of the charitable foundation, said: "We are delighted to support BlindVoice UK.

"The charity provides an invaluable service in the Stockton area."