STAFF members at an optician's in Worcester are hoping to see double at a prestigious national competition to be judged next month.

For Specsavers, in Broad Street, is celebrating after reaching the final of the Excellence in Eyecare Awards in two separate categories.

The store has been nominated for Customer Services Practice of the Year and Employer of the Year.

It has fought off competition from 500 eye specialists across the UK and Ireland to reach the last six in both sections.

Its success in the first category, customer services practice of the year, follows favourable reports from mystery shoppers, a customer satisfaction survey and direct customer feedback.

Delighted

Store directors Alan Richards and Stuart Burdett have both made it through to the final in the second section after being nominated by colleagues for their motivation, training and development and individual support.

"We are absolutely delighted to have made it though to the final for these awards," said Mr Richards.

"Stuart and I have only been managing the store for the past eight months, so it is good to see that we've managed to adapt to our new roles and have the support of our team behind us.

"It is because of them, and their commitment to customer service, that we have achieved so much."

A gala final for the Excellence in Eyecare Awards in Birmingham, in November, will determine the winners.