MUMBAI: A small black and yellow box is set to revolutionise life for trainee counsellor Ronald Edwards from Berkhamsted.

Registered blind and partially sighted people like Ronald will have the world at their fingertips as the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) has now made the Sonata internet audio player available on free permanent loan.

This breakthrough in wireless technology means that without a computer, PC skills or any special installation by the user, any internet audio content from anywhere in the world is available in the listener's own home.

Recipients of the new set will need a broadband connection and listening choices are made using an audible programming guide.

Sonata has been specially designed for use by blind and partially sighted people and is simple to operate with a single volume dial and five pushbuttons.

Aside from radio stations (local, national and international) the listener can access podcasts, talking news services, magazines, audio books and even audio catalogues from retailers such as Argos and M&S.

Ronald, 43, who was born blind and is training to be a counsellor at Dacorum College in Hemel Hempstead, said: It's terrific. I live in an area with very poor FM and DAB reception, so the Sonata is a real godsend to me.

You can control it completely using the �OK' button and by listening to the prompts. I can now listen to my favourite sports programmes, radio dramas like the Archers, music stations like Magic, and podcasts, with ease....

The set also means Ronald is able to tune in to South Wales radio station GTFM's thrice-weekly Cardiff City FC phone-in.

I'm a massive Bluebirds fan and can now get to hear the players and manager talking on air on a regular basis which is brilliant....

Margaret Grainger, Chief Executive of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund said: We have been testing the Sonata for use by visually impaired people for several months and are delighted with the positive response.

We are now making it available on free permanent loan to all registered blind and partially sighted people in receipt of a means-tested benefit in the UK.

This is the first Internet audio player specifically for users with sight loss and BWBF has always strived to be at the forefront of technological innovation....

TV presenter and singer, Cheryl Baker and the BWBF's local MP, Ann Widdecombe, officially launched the new set at the BWBF's headquarters in Maidstone.

Miss Widdecombe said: If you have a visual impairment, your ears become your eyes. It is wonderful that a device like this has not only been made, but also made so simple to use.

I was most impressed to hear it only has five knobs and each knob does one thing. I wish my computer was as easy!...

The Sonata is available on free permanent loan to people over the age of eight in receipt of a means-tested benefit. Others will be able to purchase the set through the charity's commercial arm: BWBF Direct.