The 1,778th edition of the Merton Talking Newspaper (MTN) has been recorded on a newly launched memory stick service.

Local news, drawn mainly from the Wimbledon Guardian, was traditionally recorded on one side of a cassette tape while articles from a magazine recorded on the other side.

This free service was started more than 35 years ago by the late Eric Walford and is used by about 150 Merton residents.

Last week MTN launched a new digital recording service and instead of receiving the weekly recordings on cassette tape, listeners have the option of receiving their talking newspaper on a memory stick.

Peter Walker, MTN committee member leading the digital programme, said: "The number of digital listeners is growing steadily as MTN volunteers arrange visits to the homes of residents to demonstrate the simplicity of the memory stick players.

"These devices are proving very popular, not only because they are available on free lifetime loan to Merton residents, but because they have been designed specifically for the visually impaired and are easier to operate than cassette players."

For more information about MTN call 020 8544 0551 or email prwobe@yahoo.co.uk.