A TAVISTOCK teenager has been picked from hundreds of hopefuls to become a regional finalist in the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011 competition.

Sixteen-year-old student Jayde Knight will join 12 specs-wearing style-setters from across the South West at the regional final, to be held at Specsavers in Plymouth on Friday, September 9.

Jayde, who has worn glasses since she was 13, said: 'I'm so excited about getting through to the regional final. When I entered the competition online, it was a real spur-of-the-moment thing and I never imagined winning! I'd be really proud to represent the South West at the final.'

If successful, Jayde could find herself strutting down the catwalk at the glitzy, star-studded grand final at the Boiler House Venue in London's Battersea Power Station on November 15.

Specsavers' style ambassador, Gok Wan will present the awards, with contestants being judged by a panel of industry experts. Last year's judges included model Lisa Snowdon and The Daily Telegraph's fashion director Hilary Alexander.

Ten regional winners will earn a place on the catwalk at the awards final in November. The overall winner will receive a one year modeling contract with MOT Models plus a two week premier, all-inclusive holiday for two in Barbados or St Lucia courtesy of Almond Resorts and Virgin Holidays, with £250 worth of spending money.

The winner will also bag a makeover with TV celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, a year's supply of skincare products from Simple, a £150 Specsavers eyecare voucher and the coveted Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011 trophy.

Runners up prizes include all-expenses-paid trips to Paris and London, plus goodies from Simple and Andrew Barton.

To date, Specsavers has raised nearly £5,000 by donating £1 for every eligible entry received in this year's competition to anti-bullying charity Kidscape, to help them continue their valuable work with children and young people. 

To find out more about Kidscape or to make a donation, please log onto http://www.kidscape.org.uk">www.kidscape.org.uk

To nominate your favourite celebrity specs-wearer and be in with the chance of winning tickets to the grand final — and meeting celebrities, including Gok Wan