HAINE and Smith opticians has donated 900 pairs of spectacles for the people of Sudan.

The glasses were collected from branches across Wiltshire, including Swindon, and were handed over to the Salisbury Diocese, which will transport them to the Sudan.

This year's collection follows on from last year's efforts when about 3,000 pairs were collected.

Barry Smith, the senior partner at Haine and Smith, right, said: "Haine and Smith is committed to helping the disadvantaged, whether they are countries in need, such as the Sudan or more local.

"With 95 per cent of the Sudanese population having no access to the services of an optician, it is clear that glasses are hugely in demand."

Anyone who has old glasses they would like to donate to the appeal can take them to any Haine and Smith practice.