BLIND and visually impaired people can experience something a little different this month.

The artistic joys of the borough's sculpture trail can be enjoyed as Bury takes part in a national campaign.

May has been designated Touch Reading Month as part of the overall National Year of Reading.

And Bury libraries are participating in A Touching Experience, the new campaign organised by the Royal National Institute for the Blind and the National Library for the Blind.

For two weeks a national festival of artistic and creative events, designed to promote the benefits of touch reading and to show that it is neither old-fashioned or difficult to learn, will take place.

Locally, the libraries' visual impairment service has organised two events under the title Touching Art.

Next Wednesday (May 12), which is National Touch Reading Day, there will be events at Burrs Country Park in Bury, between 11.30am and 2pm. Councillor Siobhan Costello, cultural services spokesman, said: "The aim is to explore some of the sculptures on the Irwell Sculpture Trail and to talk about their background and their relevance to the history and development of the area. More importantly, there will be a chance to explore physically the contrasting sculptures by sight and touch.

"Large print, Braille and taped information will be available for those with sight difficulties. Visually-impaired people and their guides as well as relatives and friends are all welcome."

The second event starts this weekend. From tomorrow until May 22, there is an exhibition of artwork by visually impaired youngsters at Bury Art Gallery.

All the artists, aged from two to 14, attend mainstream schools or nurseries in Bury and are supported by the sensory support service.

Large print, Braille and taped descriptions of the exhibits will be available for visitors.

Jane Burslem, visual impairment co-ordinator, said: "This is the chance for a real hands-on experience and I am sure that those who take this opportunity will not only find it informative but lots of fun."

For the visit to Burrs Country Park, a limited amount of transport is available but arrangements need to be made in advance; Contact Jane Burslem as soon as possible on (0161) 253 7512.

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