A BROADSTONE man who helps organise life-enhancing visits for children from Chernobyl was the focus of attention when he launched a new-look opticians.

John Martindale, chairman of the Chernobyl Children Life Line Wessex branch, officially re-opened Scrivens on the Broadway with his wife, Carolyn. The branch provides children from Chernobyl with free eye tests and prescription glasses when the charity brings them to stay with local families for recuperative care and respite from the toxins that blight their lives.

Manager Shelley Dean said: “We have got to know John well over the years through his work with the charity and as a customer. He was an ideal choice to open our branch after its re-fit, which includes an extra consulting room so we can run more clinics.”

John said: “It was a surprise and I felt very honoured to be asked. There is a lot of goodwill and support from the community for the work the charity does and Scrivens is a fine example of that.

“The children who come each year are from extremely poor backgrounds so would not get the opportunity for regular optician appointments and basic health check-ups back home.”

The children still face radiation-associated illnesses following the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster in 1986. The change of environment improves their immune systems and health and increases life expectancy.

Scrivens Broadstone features the latest digital eye examination equipment and a new and updated range of frames. It is part of a family business established in 1938, which has 181 stores in England and Wales and over 1,100 employees.