Steve in the frame for a win

A PLYMOUTH man has been chosen from thousands of proud glasses wearers as a finalist for Specsavers’ Spectacle Wearer of the Year.

Steve Whiteway, aged 59 from Plymouth could follow in the footsteps of last year’s Award winner, Love Island hunk Alex Miller, winning £10,000 and the chance to mingle with the stars at the annual Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards. 

Glasses wearers across the UK and Republic of Ireland have been showing off their specs style by sharing their selfies online throughout the spring and summer.

Steve was invited to visit his local Specsavers store in Sainsbury, Marsh Mills to receive a bottle of champagne, a certificate and a £125 glasses voucher.

He took the opportunity to try Specsavers’ innovative Framestyler technology to help choose a new pair of specs, ahead of the next round of judging.

Steve Whiteway, regional finalist, says: ‘I have been wearing glasses since the age of five after I contracted measles so after 55 years of specs wearing I am really happy to have made it through as a regional finalist. The styles have definitely moved on from the NHS glasses I used to wear as a child and I hope that myself and the other finalists show that it doesn’t matter what stage you are in life, glasses can make a statement’.

Dr Josie Forte, Plymouth store director, says: ‘This is the first time we have had a regional finalist here at our Sainsbury’s Marsh Mills store and I think Steve is a great ambassador for Specsavers’ wearer of the year. Not only does he look great in his glasses but he’s also an active member of the community supporting many local charities including Sensory Solutions, providing information, advice and equipment for people of all ages with concerns about sight or hearing. We wish him luck and hope he makes it through to the finals’.

The awards were launched by Steps star Claire Richards earlier this year. If he triumphs in his age category, Steve will meet Claire and rub shoulders with many other celebs at the glitzy awards ceremony at London’s 8 Northumberland Avenue in October.

There are five age categories – 16-24; 25-34; 35-44; 45-59 and over 60, plus a Facebook favourite voted for by the public. All age category winners will win a VIP makeover, with one overall winner taking home the ultimate accolade in specs wearing.