STAFF in Thornbury travelled around the town on World Sight Day to promote visual health and raise thousands of pounds for charity.


Lens manufacturer Essilor, which has its headquarters in Cooper Road, sent its employees out on a mission on October 8, to raise awareness of blindness and visual impairment.


They teamed up with Brian Tumour Support, The Thornbury Lions and the Castle School to hand out eyecare leaflets and flags.


Pete Dodd from Essilor, who organised the event, said: “The teams have worked hard over the last weeks putting together events to highlight World Sight Day, events like The Three Peaks Challenge, charity auctions and raffles. 


“This week we have raised over £1,700 for World Sight Day and over £2,000 for other sight charities and Brain Tumour Support.


"It’s been amazing and we are very proud of our teams here for supporting us.”


Mike Kirkley, managing director, said: “It is important to ensure we get the message across that many dangers exist that can contribute to poor visual health such as, UV light in all weather conditions and blue-violet light that is emitted from low energy light bulbs.”


World Sight Day is organised annually by the World Health Organization.