Specsavers' resident fashion expert, style guru Gok Wan, has officially launched this year's search, which is open to men and women aged 16 and over who wear glasses, whether as an optical necessity or fashion accessory.

Gok, famed for giving women the confidence to make the most of their natural assets, is supporting Specsavers' competition in aid of anti-bullying charity, Kidscape.

Said 33-year-old Gok: 'Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition celebrates how fantastic people can look and feel when wearing glasses. Specsavers will also be donating £1 for every eligible entry received to anti-bullying charity Kidscape.

'I was bullied as a child because of my appearance so that is why I am so pleased to be supporting this competition. Let's celebrate glasses and their fashion credentials while doing something tangible to tackle the bullying problem that is rife in the UK.'

Local specs wearers could be following in the footsteps of Abbey Potter, who represented the South-East at the international grand final in London and came second.

Abbey says: 'Words can't describe how fantastic the whole experience was. This is something I'd wanted for such a long time and it was a real dream come true.'

Alan McLean, store director at Specsavers in Horsham, said: "This year's competition is more poignant than ever. It remains a modelling competition with a fashion focus, for ordinary people who look and feel great in their specs, but more than that, this year we're reaching out to those who have been bullied, or have friends and families who have had a negative experience about wearing glasses and to try to raise much needed awareness and funds to help Kidscape continue the great work they do.

"So, if you think you've got an eye-catching look or want to nominate someone who has, simply pop into the store to pick up an entry leaflet or log onto www.swoty.com. You could be on your way to launching a whole new career."

Kidscape is the first national charity dedicated to preventing bullying and child abuse and is committed to keeping children safe from harm. In the last year alone, more than two million children and parents contacted Kidscape about bullying and child safety - many of those children have been suicidal.

The winner of the competition will scoop a 12-month modelling contract with MOT models, a photoshoot for Specsavers, an all-inclusive holiday for two to Barbados courtesy of Almond Resorts and Virgin Holidays, including £250 spending money, £250 worth of hair and beauty products from Matrix and Benefit, £150 Specsavers designer eyecare voucher and the coveted Spectacle Wearer of the Year trophy. Closing date for entries is June 30.

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