BOOK-lovers backed the rights of the blind by signing a petition in a Blaenavon store encouraging more publishers to print copies in Braille.

The RNIB Cymru also want to step up the number of bestsellers recorded on to tape.

The charity launched their campaign at Browning Books as part of Right To Read Week.

"Imagine that you are blind or partially sighted and unable to read standard print," said a spokeswoman for the RNIB. "You would miss out on being able to read your post, today's newspaper, textbook, magazines, letters - the list is endless."

The organisation chose Browning Books to launch the petition, tipping Blaenavon to be the next book-town of Wales.

Many independent and specialist book stores have opened in the historic town.

The spokeswoman said the blind were victims of discrimination.

She said: "Everyone should have access to material in a format that they can read. This could be large print, tape, disk or Braille."

But the reason those versions did not hit the shelves at midnight was because publishers were concerned the text would be leaked despite the RNIB's record of handling documents, like exam papers, in strict confidence. In protest, RNIB representatives encouraged people to sign their charter which supported the right to read for everyone.