THEY'VE been spreading the news for nearly 40 years with more than a little help from the Bury Times.

Bury Pipeline, the popular talking newspaper for the blind, circulates tapes, CDs and memory sticks to 150 avid "listeners" boroughwide each week.

The organisation, based at the Seedfield Resource Centre, is served by a dedicated band of 35 volunteers who record dozens of news items culled from the latest edition of the Bury Times. And the paper has regularly featured the sterling work of Bury Pipeline as well as printing appeals for volunteers.

Chairman and co-founder of Bury Pipeline is Mrs Jean Spencer who in 2006 was awarded the MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to the visually impaired.

As the Bury Times celebrates its 160th anniversary, Mrs Spencer has underlined how important the newspaper has been to the group she has served magnificently since its launch in 1978.

"Without the Bury Times, we wouldn't exist." she said. "So, the newspaper is important to us. It has supported us over the years and has put in articles to draw attention to the public about what we do. And in 2010, we got a grant of £520 via the Bury Times which helped pay for some copying equipment."

The cash boost came courtesy of the Gannett Foundation which is operated by Gannett, the company which owns Newsquest Media Group which includes the Bury Times.

Meanwhile, Bury Pipeline is hoping to recruit two more volunteers. "We're looking at those who can help with the editing, getting the Bury Times on a Thursday morning and picking out news items," added Mrs Spencer.

The chairman is also anxious for new blood to join the committee in the hope that Bury Pipeline can launch its own fundraising drive. "We have a very small committee and it can be hard work raising money."

Those wishing to join the committee, or to get involved in the weekly editing process for Bury Pipeline, can contact Mrs Spencer on 01706 824401.