BROADCASTER Richard Stilgoe, writer and broadcaster, popped into Dunscombes Opticians to boost the company's New Year appeal for unwanted specs for the Third World.

Donating three pairs of his own specs, Richard is helping Dunscombes Opticians in Market Street, Swindon to raise awareness of the work of Vision Aid Overseas.

The charity takes no longer needed specs from the UK, cleans and grades them, and dispatches them to Third World countries.

Volunteer opticians from the UK visit the most needy African countries to run mobile eye clinics.

"We all take good vision for granted, but we can turn out our old specs and give someone less fortunate the chance to see," said managing director Nicholas Bateman.

"Pop your old specs into the local branch and they will be put to good use."