TWO women from Newport have been chosen out of hundreds of people across Wales as regional finalists for Specsavers’ Spectacle Wearer of the Year.

Helen Beveridge, 49, and Elizabeth Fitzgerald, 59, could win £10,000, a luxury holiday in the Bahamas and a wardrobe of glasses.

Even if they don't scoop the top prize, they have already both been invited to their local Newport Specsavers stores on Spytty Road and High Street to each receive a bottle of champagne, a certificate and a £150 glasses voucher.

Glasses wearers have been showing off their specs style by sharing their selfies online and entering in stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Mrs Beveridge said: ‘I’ve been prescribed spectacles since I was 20 and though I sometimes wear contact lenses, I prefer to wear my glasses nowadays. The choice of frames available mean I can always find a trendy pair to suit any outfit or occasion; I could be described a bit of a glasses junkie. After entering last year’s competition online I entered again this year wearing my new current favourite frames. I believe you have to be in it to win it and I am both surprised and excited to be representing Wales as a regional finalist."

Mrs Fitzgerald said: "I decided to enter Spectacle Wearer of the Year after noticing that the competition helps raise money for Kidscape, the anti-bullying charity for children. As a teacher, my glasses help me encourage pupils in school to enjoy wearing their specs and not be embarrassed about them."

Jason Williams, store director of Specsavers in Newport, said: "It’s fantastic to have not one, but two finalists from Newport. Both Helen and Elizabeth really enjoy wearing their frames and we hope that their confidence will inspire other spectacle-wearers to don their glasses with pride."

The awards ceremony will be held in London on October 6.