RNIB names new vice president

The creator of popular BBC drama, Downton Abbey, has been appointed as a vice president of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

Lord Julian Fellowes, who recently wrote London's West End School of Rock theatre production, has supported the RNIB for more than a decade by both hosting and supporting events for the charity's Talking Books service.

Speaking about his appointment, Lord Fellowes said: "It’s an honour for me to be joining the ranks of RNIB’s vice presidents, having supported the charity for many years."

He added that he is a "big believer in the power of a good story," having seen how the RNIB's Talking Books service can transform the lives of blind and partially sighted people. Consequently, he pledged to work with the RNIB to raise £1m to support it in expanding its library of audio books collection.

Welcoming Lord Fellowes to his new role during a special event at The Ritz, in London on Thursday (8 December), the RNIB's interim chief executive, Sally Harvey, said: “Lord Fellowes has been a great friend to RNIB, making a tremendous contribution to our work – he’s shown himself to be a passionate advocate for the rights of blind and partially sighted people.

“I look forward to working together to make every day better for people affected by sight loss.”