One of Northallerton’s proudest glasses wearers has been honoured as she takes a step closer to winning Spectacle Wearer of the Year Award and a two-week luxury holiday in St Lucia.

Hazel Kettlewell, 74, was chosen from hundreds of entries from across Yorkshire in the awards that celebrate specs wearers from the UK and Ireland, across four age categories.

She said: “I’m utterly delighted to have been picked as a finalist in my category for the region. I started wearing glasses in my teens and after initially removing them for social occasions and trying contact lenses, I came to the realisation that glasses are ‘me’. They are part of my personality and putting on my specs in the morning is like putting my favourite dress on every day.

“I’m really proud to have got to this stage of the competition and hope I make it through to the final – I’m thrilled to be representing glasses wearers who are the same age as me.”

The awards will be held at London’s Royal Opera House on Tuesday, September 10. All age category winners will win a VIP makeover, with one overall winner taking home the ultimate accolade in specs wearing.