Annie’s hoping to win the trip of a lifetime

Annie’s hoping to win the trip of a lifetime

26 August 2015

A DOWNPATRICK woman is in with a chance of winning £10,000 and a luxury holiday for two in the Bahamas.

Seventy nine year-old Anne Hughes has been chosen out of hundreds of people across Northern Ireland as a regional finalist in the Specsavers’ Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition. If she wins, Anne is also in with a chance of mingling with the stars during a glittering awards ceremony in London.

Glasses wearers have been showing off their specs style by sharing their selfies online and entering the competition in stores across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Anne, who is a regular customer at the Abbey Centre’s Specsavers store, was recently invited along to receive a bottle of champagne, a certificate and a £150 glasses voucher.

“I was surprised and really pleased to be nominated as a regional finalist,” she said. “I absolutely love glasses and have several pairs in different styles and colours. My friends and I always make buying glasses at the Abbey Centre’s Specsavers a special day out and whilst we’re all over 60, we’re still young at heart.”

Tony McGinn from the Abbey Centre store said he is “absolutely delighted” one of his most loyal and longstanding customers has been chosen out of hundreds of people across the UK as a regional finalist in the annual competition. 

“Anne has been a regular customer for many years and it’s always a pleasure to see her coming in for an eye test or to choose a new pair of glasses. I and all the staff wish Anne good luck for the final,” he added.

The awards were launched by Spice Girls singer and Heart FM DJ Emma Bunton earlier this year and if Anne triumphs in her age category, she could meet Emma at the celeb-packed awards ceremony at London’s Northumberland Avenue this October. 

There are four age categories, 16 to 24, 25 to 39, 40 to 59 and 60 plus, in addition to a Facebook favourite voted for by the public. All category winners receive a VIP makeover with one overall winner taking home the ultimate accolade in specs wearing.

The overall winner secures the £10,000 prize plus a week’s holiday for two in the Bahamas courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island and a wardrobe of specs to suit every style.