A KIND hearted eight-year-old has found a novel way to help children in the developing world – by collecting used spectacles.

Jasmine Emuss, a pupil at Clavering Primary School, has been wearing glasses all her life but recently started to wonder where her old ones went.

After an appointment at her opticians – DH Thomas Optometrists in Saffron Walden – she decided to organise her own spectacles collection in the school.

Her mum Natalie said: “Jasmine has had glasses all of her life but asked me one day where her old frames go. So we researched it and found out about a national charity, Vision Aid Overseas, and then asked DH Thomas if they are involved. It has gone from there.

“She has collected over 50 pairs and people are always handing me their old ones. It is nice that she is thinking about other children who are less privileged, and I am very proud of her.”

Michelle Thomas, a partner at DH Thomas, said: “I think it is so nice in this day and age that this young person has taken it upon herself to collect things to help people. Thank you Jasmine.”

Jasmine’s collected spectacles could go towards DH Thomas’ own unique charity – called ‘Priceless’. The company has set up a vintage eyewear collection where selectively donated frames are sterilised, cleaned and revamped to create a unique ‘one off’ pair of vintage frames ready for prescription lenses, colour tinted, or classic sunglass shades.

“They have no selling price, we just ask for a donation towards the purchase of a new frame,” said Mrs Thomas.

“After the work to them we ship them out to personally chosen destinations such as hospitals, schools and orphanages where adults or children would benefit from a donation of new eyewear.

“It is a very personal charity because we can send them wherever there is a need.”

The company welcomes any well loved spectacles and is happy to take suggestions about where to send them.

For more information pop into the shop in Gold Street, Saffron Walden, call 01799 525957 or visit dhthomas.co.uk