FUNDraisers for the Wiltshire Blind Assoc-iation say they have been forced to 'reach for the begging bowl' for the first time in 84 years in an effort to maintain services.

The association, which was founded in 1919, has had a very low profile since its formation as it obtained a significant amount of money from the Royal National Institute for the Blind and had an agreement with them not to undertake fundraising activities.

Now that has changed. A crashing stock market and the removal of tax exemption on investment income has hit the RNIB hard and the national group has withdrawn its funding from the association.

The loss of 25 per cent of the local charity's income could have dire consequences for the ever-growing number of people who have been calling on the association for help.

The Wiltshire association has 1,600 people on its books - helping them through a resource centre, clubs and activities, finding holiday places, talking newspapers and magazines and helping members cope with life.

A very important role is played by its team of seven home visitors who provide practical advice and support to blind people. A major problem for the blind has been filling in of government forms and last year the visitors helped a substantial number of blind and partially-sighted people complete their benefit forms resulting in £150,000 in annual benefit payments.

Fundraising committee chairman, Giles Currie, said: "The demand for this service is a bit like a bottomless pit.

"At the moment we have six field workers covering the county but we could easily find work for eight to 10 today.

"In the past we have had a low profile because we haven't had to raise funds but that has now changed." So far, Mr Currie says, the association has had some success in targeting individuals for donation but it is hoping to secure funding from the corporate sector.

The group also hoped that the publicity surrounding its plight might persuade those planning charity walks, rows or runs to raise money for the blind.

The Wiltshire Blind Association is based at St Lucy's, 1 Commercial Road, Devizes, SN10 1 EH.