One of the two new store directors at Specsavers in Warminster has just returned from his fifth trip to Africa, to help improve eye health for people there.

Richard Goring, who has worked at Specsavers since 2008 before recently becoming store director, volunteered to go to Zambia with Vision Aid Overseas.

He worked with four other optometrists to see to just under 900 patients and distribute more than 850 pairs of spectacles in just two weeks.

Mr Goring said: "It's so nice to be a part of this and feel like I am making a difference.

"There was one girl who I saw to who was only 12 and she needed a very high prescription. This obviously was effecting her education, and when she received her specs it changed her life dramatically."

Mr Goring also helped to train optometrist nurses.

He said: "The vision centres in Zambia are actually quite well established now, there are about ten in the area, and optometrist nurses are now being put through university which didn't happen six years ago.

"It's nice to see Vision Aid Overseas are making a difference in even the more rural parts of the county."

Specsavers recycles as many pairs of spectacles as it can, which are sent to countries where many people are otherwise unable to afford them.

Mr Goring said: "Generally in the capital cities, a pair of spectacles cost the equivalent of about £70-£80 at the cheapest, but in the vision centres in the rural areas, the recycled spectacles are as little as £2-£3.

"Charity support is something I’m keen to continue in Warminster. We have great connections with local and national charities and we are looking forward to getting more involved with them in the coming months."

Mr Goring now leads the chain's Warminster and Frome stores with Martyn Thomas, who has moved from the Melksham store.