STEPS superstar Claire Richards has kicked off the search for the nation’s proudest specs wearers and is calling on stylish glasses wearers in Ammanford – with a £10,000 cash prize up for grabs.

To mark the launch of Specsavers’ annual search for the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2018, Claire took part in a new photoshoot, showcasing her own fabulous specs style.

Glasses wearers from across Ammanford, aged 16 and over, can put themselves forward for the prestigious accolade. Finalists will attend the awards ceremony in London, with one overall winner scooping the top award and cash prize.

Having picked up the Specs Appeal gong at last year’s awards, pop star Claire says: ‘I’ve been a glasses wearer for a few years now and I absolutely love it. I love to mix things up and try a geek-chic frame one day and then a sexy cat’s eye the next.

‘Winning the Specs Appeal award last year was incredibly flattering and it was an honour to share a room with so many proud and fabulous glasses wearers. I can’t wait to see all the nominees this year – I’m sure there’s going to be some real corkers!’

Kevin McCarthy, store director at Specsavers Ammanford, says: ‘Spectacle Wearer of the Year is a great opportunity for members of our community to show off their style and tell everyone why they are proud to wear glasses.

‘We will be encouraging our customers to take part in the competition with a chance to win the fantastic cash prize, and raise funds for a worthwhile cause at the same time.’

The competition has raised more than half a million pounds for anti-bullying charity Kidscape over the past nine years.

Claire adds: ‘Bullying is an issue that has always been close to my heart so I’m proud to be representing a competition that supports a charity like Kidscape. The work they do to support individuals and families affected by bullying is invaluable.’

The competition has five age categories – 16-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-59 and over 60s – plus a Facebook favourite voted for by the public. A winner from each category will win a VIP makeover and mingle with celebrities at the awards in London in October.

One pound will be donated to Kidscape for each entry made. The money raised will help to support the charity in providing practical support to children and families affected by bullying, including advice resources, phone support and workshops.

To be in with a chance of scooping the biggest accolade in the specs-wearing world, glasses wearers can enter the competition online at specsavers.co.uk/loveglassecomp. Deadline for entries is 1st July 2018.