KNUTSFORD Lions Club is continuing with its historic tradition of helping people with sight problems with a mission to send 3,000 glasses overseas.

The group is part of Lions Clubs International, which introduced the white stick in 1930 for the visually impaired.

More than 80 years later the commitment remains, with Lions working closely with Blindness Veterans UK and in partnership with Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Knutsford Lions are doing their bit by collecting glasses which will be sent to eye camps in Africa, India and Eastern Europe.

Readers can donate their old specs to Wendy Diddams Opticians in Minshull Street, Boots in King Street or the Heritage Centre in King Street.

Knutsford Lions president Anita Goldman said: “All this work and a lot more could not be done without the generous support of the people of Knutsford and its surrounding district.”

Meanwhile, Wendy Diddams will fly to Uganda on March 2 for her fifth trip to help Vision Aid Overseas.

Her team will be helping to develop two vision centres by training workers to perform eye tests, with a particular focus on providing glasses for youngsters.

Wendy said: “If children can’t be provided with glasses they can lose a year of school which can’t be replaced, and there’s a chance their eyesight might not develop properly.

“It’s always good to change people’s lives, but when it’s children it’s that more important and satisfying as it’s urgent for them.

“You also come across teachers struggling to see well enough to mark students’ work and those who can’t support their family.

“For example, if they’re a tailor and can’t see to thread a needle they’re deprived of making a living.”

Across the world, there are 670 million people who have poor vision because they don’t have access to glasses.

Knutsford Lions Club is appealing for more people to help with its charitable work.

Call Anita on 01565 651717, Frances on 01565 621674, Ian on 01565 633648 or e-mail knutsford.lions@ virginmedia.com.