VISION Aid Overseas is extending its appeal for old spectacles that can be recycled for use in developing countries. Specsavers of Ely have already collected about 1,800 pairs on behalf of the charity, which cleans and grades the donated glasses - worth a

VISION Aid Overseas is extending its appeal for old spectacles that can be recycled for use in developing countries. Specsavers of Ely have already collected about 1,800 pairs on behalf of the charity, which cleans and grades the donated glasses - worth an average of about £110 a pair new.

Thanking the people of Ely for their donations, local Specsavers store director Mark Anderson said the glasses would make a real difference to many peoples' lives in developing countries.

Another local optician, Spectacular, is also supporting the appeal by offering a £25 voucher towards a new pair for each pair of old glasses handed in.

Many wearers are unaware that their old glasses can be re-used in Africa and elsewhere, according to Debbie Pay, of Spectacular, Ely.

There are no opticians in the landlocked West African country, according to Vision Aid Overseas.

Photo shows optician Steve Moore and dispensing consultant Cathy Cassidy at Specsavers with some of the donated pairs of glasses.