A SWINDON-based optician has come to the rescue of the emergency services by helping to ensure their eyes are always on 24-hour alert.

Nina Barker, of Haine & Smith Opticians, is offering 40 emergency services workers a year's supply of the latest continuous wear contact lenses for free.

The offer, worth more than £13,000 in total, is open to anyone "whose vision is vital in saving lives, no matter what time of day or night it is."

Mrs Barker says that she hopes the Night and Day lenses will help make the lives of rescue workers a little bit easier.

She said: "These are people who can't afford to be fumbling around for their glasses or contact lenses at the start of their shift, or when they're called out on an emergency in the middle of the night.

"Time is of the utmost importance, and can mean the difference between life and death.

"Because these lenses can be safely worn all the time, even when you sleep, being able to focus on the task at hand need never be a problem.

"It means our 999 workers can now have 20/20 vision continuously for up to 30 days.

"They do so much for our community. We just thought this is the least we can do for them."

Anyone who is interested should call Haine & Smith Opticians on 01793 487 888 or 01793 522572, or drop in at either of the two practices at 45 Regent Street or 105 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, with the appropriate identification.