SPECSAVERS stores in Stourbridge and Kingswinford raised £767 to support local families during the festive period.

The stores were among six Specsavers businesses across the region which supported the initiative, raising £1,998 in a two-week window of fundraising by donating £1 from every eye test carried out.

The money has been donated to food banks in communities closest to stores involved.

Jason Bridgewater, store director at Specsavers in Stourbridge and Kingswinford, said: "We know what an incredibly difficult time it’s been for our local communities and the local economy as we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic. We see people from our nearby communities every day in our stores and hear their stories – it can be incredibly upsetting, so we felt very strongly about doing our bit to support.

"The response from fellow stores across the region has been incredible and we have all been completely overwhelmed to learn how much has been raised.

"Funds raised meant much-needed grocery supplies could be bought to give directly to families in need in our communities, helping them to get through the festivities and school holidays with plenty to eat."

The donations were sent directly to independent food banks or through The Trussell Trust, which manages many of the community food banks in the region.

Each store made an individual commitment to donate funds to a food bank in their neighbourhood to ensure they could directly support residents and families close by.