AN OPTICIANS marked 15 years in business by raising money for a local charity.

The Braintree branch of Specsavers on the High Street donated a percentage of the money received from each eye test to PARC - who provide support opportunities for children with special needs.

To mark the anniversary of their opening, residents were invited to join staff, many of whom have been with the business since it opened, for birthday cake and entertainment.

Mike Bromidge, store director, said: "This is a very exciting year for us and we’re tremendously proud to have provided our services to the community for this long.

"Not only does it mark 15 years for the store, but also for supervisor Lorraine Meek, dispensing optician Debbie Hardy, and me - that’s 45 years of service in total between just three people"

PARC gives children with disabilities the opportunities that other children have by providing a safe environment designed to meet their needs.

For more information about PARC, visit: www.parc-essex.co.uk.