A talking newspaper in Norwich founded 40 years ago is to mark the occasion by recording its 2,000th edition.

Eastern Daily Press: Chatterbox, The Norwich Talking Newspaper. Angie Kennedy and Tim Edwards in the recording studio. Picture: ANTONY KELLYChatterbox, The Norwich Talking Newspaper. Angie Kennedy and Tim Edwards in the recording studio. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

Chatterbox, the Norwich Talking Newspaper, will this week record the milestone edition of its weekly summary of local news stories and features from the Norwich Evening News.

The service was founded in 1978 by Meg Muggridge, Stan Petersen and Bob Walker, then editor of the Evening News, for people with a visual or linked disability.

While they were originally recorded onto tape cassettes, they are now distributed on memory sticks, and sent to some 450 listeners.

Chairman David Potten said: 'Forty years on from its founding, Chatterbox remains an important lifeline for many of our listeners, as messages to the office attest.

Eastern Daily Press: Chatterbox, The Norwich Talking Newspaper. Left to right, Tim Edwards, Alison Aplin, Angie Kennedy, David Potton, Anthony Stimpson, Neil Haverson, Dorothy Sneesby. Picture: ANTONY KELLYChatterbox, The Norwich Talking Newspaper. Left to right, Tim Edwards, Alison Aplin, Angie Kennedy, David Potton, Anthony Stimpson, Neil Haverson, Dorothy Sneesby. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

'With our solid base of volunteers and financial security, the charity aims to provide a friendly voice to guide our subscribers through the news of the week and to entertain with an array of variety and features.'

To mark the 2,000th edition, James Bagge, the High Sheriff of Norfolk, David Fullman, the Lord Mayor of Norwich and David Powles, the editor of the EDP and Evening News, will join the regular team to read stories from the past 40 years.

The volunteer-run organisation relies on more than 100 people willing to help out at the headquarters on King Street.

Among them is Sue Ryan, who said: 'Volunteering offers many opportunities, whether giving something to the wider community or making new friends. Our dedicated teams range from students to the retired.'

In 2009, Mrs Muggridge was made an MBE in honour of her services to charity.

Mike Blythe is a regular listener and committee member.

He said: 'Listening to Chatterbox every week keeps me informed about Norwich news and events.

'I don't know how I would get on without it. The readers are like friends that pop around every Saturday.'

Chatterbox will celebrate its 40th year with its 40th annual general meeting next month, and a special GoGoHare, named Hare All About It.

Anyone interesting in receiving Chatterbox news can contact 01603 765365 or email contact@cbtn.org.uk or by mail at Chatterbox, 240 King Street, Norwich. NR1 2TT