ONE of Penarth’s proudest glasses wearers is now a step closer to winning Specsavers’ coveted Spectacle Wearer of the Year Award, with a grand prize of £10,000 and a luxury holiday in the Bahamas in his sights.

David Harding Rees, 77, was chosen from hundreds of competition entries from across Wales.

Known as the "Oscars of the glasses world", the awards celebrate specs wearers from across the UK and Republic of Ireland, in four age categories.

The awards were launched earlier this year by Girls Aloud singer and West End star Kimberley Walsh, who Mr Rees could meet at the awards ceremony if he triumphs in his age category.

The ceremony will be held in London next month and all winners will get a VIP makeover, with one overall winner taking home the ultimate accolade.

Mr Rees said: “I was invited to enter the competition by the team in the Specsavers branch in Penarth, and my wife encouraged me to enter as well. Although I have to wear my glasses for reading, I do feel very comfortable wearing them. I often notice the newsreaders who wear glasses, and think their glasses really make them look the part.

“I have always found the team at Specsavers to be very knowledgeable and professional and hold them in high regard. If I got through to the final I would feel excited and privileged. It would be a wonderful experience.”

Pauline O’Neill, store director of Specsavers Penarth, said: “We would like to wish David all the very best for the final round of judging. He wears his Specsavers glasses with confidence and it’s clear to see how comfortable he is in them.

"It is such a great achievement to have reached the final eight from across Wales and the whole Penarth team has their fingers crossed for him to reach the grand final.”