Without the support of volunteers who are willing to give their time and skills, the Galloway's Society for the Blind would be unable to maintain its level of service and support to some 1,400 visually-impaired people living locally.

Tony Kimpton, development worker, said: "Some of our members are socially isolated and lonely as they do not come into contact with many people or get out very often.

"Through the Befriending Service, volunteers visit local blind people at home on a weekly basis as a friend but also to offer support in perhaps reading letters, going for a walk, sewing on a button, filling in a form, and giving the person with poor sight much more confidence, self-esteem and independence.

"The immediate concern is to find some new volunteers to ensure that visitors are found for people on our waiting list who live in Caton, Torrisholme and the Heysham area.

"Whilst volunteers receive the necessary support from the society, it is essential that they are caring, respect confidentiality and are good listeners."

* If you would like to consider becoming a volunteer with the Befriending Service, please contact Tony at Galloway's by phoning him at the More-cambe Blind Centre on Morecambe 414846.