PEOPLE who prefer to hear their books rather than read them can get a new service from their library.

Essex County Council’s library service is making audiobooks available through its website.

For the past four years e-books – which can be read on electronic devices – have been available through the website and now they can be listened to on personal computers.

The books can be downloaded directly to a computer and then transferred to a smartphone or personal digital assistant but they cannot be burnt onto CD.

David Finch, county council cabinet member for adults, health and community wellbeing, said: “I am sure that this new service will prove to be very popular and will be particularly useful for anybody who finds it difficult to get to the library for any reason.”

A wide range of titles are available at this website.