INVERCLYDE’S talking newspaper has appointed its first female chairperson.

Margaret Hanley, pictured, has been involved with the charity since it started in 1979, and has had two spells as secretary.

New secretary Robert McCorkell paid tribute to her long service with the ‘Talking Tele’.

He said: “Margaret was initially involved in administrative matters and fundraising efforts to help get the organisation on to a firm financial footing.

“She was secretary from 1981 to 1984, and took over the post again 11 years ago.

“Now she has made history by becoming our first woman chairperson.”

Ninety-minute tapes of Tele stories, as well as intimations, are recorded every week and sent out to 120 blind and visually impaired people in Inverclyde.

Mr McCorkell thanked everyone involved in making the Talking Newspaper available for blind and visually impaired listeners.

He said: “Editors, readers, recording technicians, and the copying teams all willingly give of their time on a regular basis to ensure that an edition of the paper goes out to listeners every week. I would also like to thank the management and staff of the Greenock Telegraph for their continued support.”

He also spoke warmly of former chairperson Robert Henderson, who is standing down from the post.

Mr McCorkell said: “Robert has been involved in nearly every aspect of the operations since 1981, and, as a mark of appreciation of his long service, all present at the AGM agreed that he should be appointed an honorary vice-president.”

The following office bearers were elected for the next year: chairperson Margaret Hanley, secretary Robert McCorkell, treasurer Lilian Devine, technical director Douglas Henry, senior editor Ian Wilkins and co-ordinator Jeanette McKenzie.

And the committee members are Jean Slater, Eleanor McInnes, Patricia Lafferty, David Hoey (Jnr.), Alistair McDonald, Ann McCorkell, Joseph Patterson, Colin Campbell (honorary vice-president) and Robert Henderson (honorary vice-president).