For the past 19 years, Chatham has been the hub of a remarkable campaign to give radios to people with poor sight.

But this week, the British Wireless for the Blind Fund is moving from Gabriel House, New Road, Chatham, to new £1.2 million offices in Maidstone.

For 80 years, the Fund has supplied specially-adapted radios and other audio equipment to registered blind and partially-sighted people throughout the UK.

About 35,000 sets are out with users at any one time.

It has been supported by broadcasting personalities such as Richard Baker, Bob Harris and Ed Stewart.

But chief executive Margaret Grainger, says the Fund is expanding so fast, with many more demands on its services, that it needs bigger premises to accomodate an 18-strong workforce.

More people are suffering visual impairment and it is estimated that anyone reaching the age of 70 has a one-in-four chance of being registered as blind or partially-sighted.

Mrs Grainger said: “The offices in New Road are just too small. We’re expanding our staff so much now and we’re going into so many different things.”

The Fund had been looking for premises in the Medway Towns but could find nothing suitable.

Mrs Grainger added: “I was a bit apprehensive about moving to Maidstone because most of the employees live in the Medway Towns. But once I saw the new offices, I thought they were just right.”

The new HQ will have sound and demonstration rooms, with a museum about the Fund’s history. Mrs Grainger said she would welcome business support for these projects.

The Fund works closely with radio manufacturers, especially Roberts, and keeps up with the latest technology such as MP3 and SD cards. A new Roberts Concerto radio with special dials and screen will be unveiled at the office opening ceremony on May 30.

“The new building is definitely going to be a showcase,” Mrs Grainger said. “I think we’ll be able to offer a much better service. It’s a really exciting time for us.”