A BLIND charity has sent out an SOS for more local volunteers.

Christine Hughes, the Royal National Institute for the Blind's area fundraising manager for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said the local branch of the charity cannot continue providing the services it does without more fundraisers.

The charity provides services which include talking books and a hotel in Blackpool where visually impaired adults and children can stay, employment and advocacy services and outreach workers to help with benefits and employment.

Christine said: "It's always a lot harder to find fundraising volunteers than committee ones as it's not everybody's cup of tea to stand in a supermarket collecting money.

"But if we don't we won't be able to keep our services."

Store collection volunteers are needed in Blackburn, Accrington, Burnley and East Lancashire, Preston and its surrounding area and the Ribble Valley.

Collectors would only need to work one day every two months.

According to statistics sight loss is on of the most common forms of disability in the UK and affects one in 50 people. In Lancashire there are 27,088 blind adults and children.

For more information on becoming a store collection volunteer contact Christine Hughes on 01704 821279.