It stands to reason in the digital age that people would prefer to read on a Kindle, smartphone or tablet when on holiday, saving space in their suitcase and taking advantage of cut-price deals on books. But a survey undertaken by RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) has revealed that almost half (46 per cent) of Birmingham residents prefer to stick to the old-fashioned way, choosing to read paperbacks or hardbacks on holiday. One fifth (20 per cent) choose to read on a Kindle, smartphone or tablet, with only 2 per cent opting for audio books.  

The survey of 2,023 UK adults* conducted by RNIB for the charity's 'Sponsor a Talking Book' fundraising drive also revealed that Adele (12 per cent) is the British celebrity the people of Birmingham would most like to read them a story.

Also featuring in the top three in Birmingham are Billy Connolly (9 per cent) and Joanna Lumley (7 per cent). Other suggestions included 007 actor Daniel Craig, Paul O'Grady and the Duchess of Cambridge.

When asked which fictional literary character they most wanted to be when they were a child, 11 per cent chose British secret agent, James Bond. A further 11 per cent said that they'd have liked to be JK Rowling's bespectacled boy wizard, Harry Potter, with Matilda Wormwood, the star of the eponymous Roald Dahl book (6 per cent), wrapping up the top three.   

Shad Everett, RNIB Area Fundraising Manager, said: "We know that our Talking Books transform the lives of blind and partially sighted people. But we urgently need support to expand our library and give the gift of reading to even more people living with sight loss.

"We hope that local businesses and Birmingham residents will be inspired to sponsor a Talking Book and help us change the story."

Lord (Julian) Fellowes, Chair of RNIB's Talking Books, said: "I'm a big believer in the power of a good story and have seen how these Talking Books can transform the lives of blind and partially sighted people. I hope that men and women across the UK will be inspired to sponsor a Talking Book and help us make the magic happen."