Belfast Man Has Specs Appeal

Belfast lad Greg Munday rubbed shoulders with the stars as he took part in Specsavers’ 15th annual celebrity-studded Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards, which celebrated national Anti-Bullying Week.

Greg, aged 20, was awarded third place at the final of the annual modelling competition last week. The event was staged at London’s iconic Battersea Power Station.

There was a star studded guest list including event host and style guru Gok Wan, actress and Strictly Come Dancing star Kara Tointon and Max George from The Wanted.

There were a range of awards up for grabs. The Wanted’s Max George clinched the title of Celebrity Spectacle Wearer of the Year, while dance group Diversity’s Perri Kiely was named Best Newcomer. Strictly Come Dancing’s Nancy Dell’Olio received the Glamorous Glasses Award 2011.

The Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition was launched by Kara Tointon in May this year. Greg’s journey to the final began when he beat stiff competition from nearly 5,000 hopefuls to win one of 10 places, representing Belfast.

Greg and second runner up Grace Healey received a spectacular goody bag full of hair and beauty products from Andrew Barton Salons and Simple, plus a £150 voucher for Specsavers designer eyewear and eye tests.

The judging panel for this week’s final included Daily Telegraph fashion correspondent Hilary Alexander, Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model star Grace Woodward, Specsavers co-founder Dame Mary Perkins, celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton and the founder of MOT Models Helen Illes.

Specsavers Opticians founder and patron of Kidscape, Dame Mary Perkins, said: "This year’s event was really special, showcasing possibly the highest standard of contestants we’ve ever seen. To have so many young people looking stunning in their glasses is fantastic, and a great way to celebrate Anti-Bullying Week, and the fact that we were able to raise £10,000 for our competition charity partner Kidscape makes it all the more worthwhile."

Helen Illes, founder of MOT Models said: "After more than 25 years in the fashion industry you know the sort of things you’re looking for in a new model and I can honestly say that the standard of contestants this year was exceptional. Just getting this far is a massive accomplishment and Greg should be very proud."

Lucie Stevenson from Scotland was crowned overall winner on the night and received 12 months’ representation from MOT Models, a two week all-inclusive holiday for two to Barbados or St Lucia courtesy of Almond Resorts and Virgin Holiday, a year’s worth of beauty products from Simple and a makeover from celebrity hair stylist Andrew Barton.

A luxury raffle on the night, in aid of children’s anti-bullying Kidscape, helped raise a grand total of £20,000 This included a Specsavers donation of £1 for every eligible competition entry, plus ticket sales from the awards ceremony.

(GK)