Elisha has specs appeal

Elisha Tax, 17, was presented with a certificate and a £150 Specsavers voucher, by Pauline Watkins from Specsavers in Blackpool.

She is now in with a chance of progressing to a star-studded award ceremony, in the 16 to 24 age category, where the overall winner will take home a cash prize of £10,000.

Elisha, a college student, was entered into the competition by her mum and surprised when she found out she had been selected ahead of thousands of others as a regional finalist.

She said: “I had no idea my mum put my name forward, but when she heard I’d been chosen as one of the finalists, we were both thrilled. It’s been a massive confidence boost.

“I started wearing glasses when I was 13, as I began to have more and more issues with my eyesight. At first, the problems weren’t all too noticeable but this started building up to the point where I needed to get my eyes tested. I’ve grown to really love wearing my glasses – they’re a part of who I am.

“To anyone who is anxious about wearing their glasses, you really shouldn’t be. I’m really proud to wear mine and I believe it’s something people should be confident in doing.”

Pauline, store manager at Specsavers in Blackpool, said: “We’re thrilled to see Elisha make it this far in the competition. It was a pleasure to meet her and we really think she could go all the way to the grand finals. Everyone at Specsavers Blackpool will be cheering her on.”

For each entry made, £1 is being donated to the anti-bullying charity Kidscape, with £400,000 raised to date.