Model Kelly Brook launches search for Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2010

Actress and model Kelly Brook is eyeing up budding models, as she launches Specsavers’ nationwide search for the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2010.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star, who is due to star in this summer’s Weinstein Company production Piranha 3D alongside Jaws star Richard Dreyfuss and Leaving Las Vegas Oscar nominee Elizabeth Shue, is helping the UK’s largest optical retailer to find ordinary people who look extraordinary in their glasses.

The 30-year-old curvaceous brunette, and girlfriend of handsome England rugby star Danny Cipriani, has worn glasses for fashion since she was a teenager and confesses that she fancies her beau when he dons his specs.

Kelly says: ‘I have always been envious of people who wear glasses! I see glasses very much as a fashion accessory and a way to stamp my own style. I have a fantastic pair that I found in a vintage store in London. Danny and I fight over who is going to wear them and I have to admit he looks really cute in them.’

As well as fronting the campaign, Kelly is supporting anti-bullying charity Kidscape. Specsavers will donate £1 for every eligible competition entry to the charity, as well as all proceeds from a high profile auction led by Specsavers ambassador Gok Wan, which will take place at the competition final in London in November.

Kelly continues: ‘I am really excited about my involvement with this year’s Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition and the chance to promote glasses, not just as an optical necessity, but as a fashion accessory.

‘I have often thought that wearing glasses on the red carpet would make a fantastic statement, perhaps some really elegant jewelled frames with a full length evening dress. I also love men in glasses. There are certain people you can’t imagine without them, like Alan Carr and Chris Evans, whose glasses have become their trademark and established geek chic firmly on the fashion agenda.’

Every year, Specsavers scours the UK to find the girls and boys next door who look amazing in their specs. The competition is open to men and women aged 16 and over, who are either current specs wearers or wear glasses for fashion purposes.

Rod Fullalove, store director at Specsavers in Rochdale, says: "We see so many people in the store who look absolutely amazing in their glasses. The Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition gives us the opportunity to shout about the talent right on our doorstep who wear their specs loud and proud – and who are great role models for younger specs wearers to aspire to."

One local specs wearer could follow in the footsteps of Lydia Ratcliffe, from Lancaster who was crowned the North West’s Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2009.

Regional finalists will be announced in August 2010 and the grand final will be held in London in November 2010.

The winner will scoop a one year modelling contract with top London agency Storm Model Management, a two week premier, all-inclusive holiday for two in Barbados or St Lucia courtesy of Virgin Holidays and Almond Resorts with £250 worth of spending money, a makeover with TV celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, a year’s supply of skincare products from Simple, a fantastic goody bag including hair and skincare products courtesy of Andrew Barton Salons and Simple Health & Beauty, a £150 Specsavers eyecare voucher and the coveted Spectacle Wearer of the Year trophy.

Entries can be made by visiting any Specsavers store or at www.specsavers.co.uk

The closing date for entries is Saturday 31 July 2010.