A blind boy from Ashford who can recite the track titles from every Beatles album is over the moon after receiving a new braille machine.

Music buff Jamie Aspland, nine, who was born blind, is now firing out homework assignments on his new Mountbatten Brailler.

The money for the modern device was raised at a music quiz and charity night at The Albion in Willesborough, attended by nearly 100 people.

The night saw landlord Ian Rampton and customers Bill Burns and Andy Weller have their heads shaved. Ian and Bill also waved goodbye to their beards and brave Andy had his chest waxed.

Ian, 41, said: “We all look younger now! Andy was very nervous before the wax but he went through with it, although he did scream.”

The night raised £2,793 in total, most of which was spent on the new brailler.

Jamie’s twin Rosie, who has speech and learning difficulties, and his brother Kane, 10, who has autism, were also given £100 each and their mum and dad, Deb and Chris, will be treated to a night away.

Mrs Aspland said: “Jamie was using a Perkins Brailler before, which is like an old-fashioned typewriter.

“It was difficult to use and we got to the point where Jamie didn’t want to do his homework because of it. It would normally take a few nights and he would put it off.

“But last week, with the new machine, he sat down and did three pieces, plus a thank-you note. It has given him so much more accessibility.”

The new machine was developed after Lord Louis Mountbatten – father of Lady Patricia Mountbatten, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, from Mersham – left a bequest in his will for the development of a modern, low-cost, portable brailler.

Mrs Aspland said of the fundraiser: “It was an amazing night. Seeing all them people show up to support Jamie was outstanding.

“He loves music. He has auditory recall, and as well as being good with dates and days, he can list the track order from his favourite albums, mostly by the Beatles and Pink Floyd. He enjoyed the music quiz.”

To hear Jamie's thank you to the pub go here.