Helpline's year of helping the visually impaired

AN EDINBURGH-based charity helpline which has helped blind and partially sighted Scots win over £337,000 in extra income is one year old.

The service, run by the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland, says it has helped people learn they are eligible for free rail and bus travel, tax allowances and reduced TV licences.

Karen Frost, community investment manager at Standard Life, which sponsors the hotline, said: "It has been wonderful to see so many people gain access to much-needed benefits."