Generous opticians have their eyes on the finish line as they are in training to raise money for charity.

The eyecare experts from the Specsavers stores in Shenley Road, Borehamwood and High Street, Hoddesdon are aiming to raise £800 for the Guide Dogs charity.

Kartik Bharadia, Erika Canizales, Reema Amin and Ahthesamul Chowdhury will be taking part in the Royal Park Series run in Hyde Park on Saturday, August 20.

Store owner and director Kartik said: “We at Specsavers have a long-standing fundraising partnership with Guide Dogs. As eyecare experts, it’s a charity close to our hearts and when the idea of the 10k came up, we knew we wanted to go the extra mile (or just over six) for this special cause.

“Today, there are 180,000 blind or partially sighted people in the UK who rarely leave home. Guide Dogs seeks to help people who are blind enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else.

“And it doesn’t take much to make a difference. Just £35 could support an important working guide dog partnership for a week.

“We’ve set an ambitious target of £800 and would be delighted for any support from our customers over the coming weeks.”

Guide Dogs is the largest breeder and trainers of working dogs and works to break down barriers and ensure people who are blind and partially sighted can live independently.

Since being set up in 1931, more than 29,000 people have benefitted from the life-changing service the charity provides.

Both stores will put fundraising tins out to encourage customers to sponsor them in their endeavour to help the blind.