An Ammanford woman has been chosen from thousands of proud glasses wearers as a finalist for Specsavers’ Spectacle Wearer of the Year.

Nichola Rees, 69, could follow in the footsteps of last year’s Award winner, Shane Haron, and take home £10,000. She will also have the chance to mingle with the stars – including dancer Oti Mabuse, who launched the competition - at the annual Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards.

Glasses wearers across the UK and Republic of Ireland have been showing off their specs style by sharing their selfies online throughout the spring and summer.

Mrs Rees, a retired civil servant, was invited to visit her local Specsavers store on Quay Street to receive a bottle of champagne, a certificate and a voucher worth £150.

"So much has changed since I started wearing glasses", she said.

"I’ve worn glasses for so long it feels strange not to have them.

"They’ve become as much a part of my outfit as anything else.

"I don’t feel like me without them.

"Sometimes I go to touch them even though I’m not even wearing them. I’ve become that used to them."

Kevin McCarthy, director of Specsavers in Ammanford, added: ‘It was such a pleasure meeting Nichola.

"She was confident and funny – exactly the right kind of person for this competition.

‘On behalf of the whole team at Specsavers Ammanford, we wish Nichola the best of luck in the competition and we’re backing her all the way to the final.’

The awards were launched by Strictly Come Dancing star and TV personality Oti Mabuse earlier this year.

If she triumphs in her category, Ms Rees will meet Oti and rub shoulders with many other celebs at the glitzy awards ceremony at London’s 8 Northumberland Avenue in October.

There are eight categories, including a social media winner voted for by the public.

All category winners will receive a VIP makeover, with one overall winner taking home the ultimate accolade in specs wearing.