GIRLS Aloud star Kimberley Walsh is backing a Dorchester opticians’ bid to promote looking good in specs.

The pop star and West End actress is supporting Specsavers in Dorchester and anti-bullying charity Kidscape by launching the Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition.

The overall winner of the competition will be announced at a star-studded awards event hosted by Gok Wan later in the year and will receive £10,000 in cash and a holiday to the Bahamas.

Kimberley said: “I love my glasses, I like to make a real statement by wearing something bold. They are such a part of who you are. Everyone should wear their specs with pride! I’ve been wearing glasses for six years.

“I think I let my eyes get a little bit worse than I should have before I did start wearing them but now I have fully embraced them – it’s a new look for me.”

Store director at Specsavers in Dorchester John Molesworth said: “We know that people in Dorchester love their glasses and we want to celebrate it.

“The Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition gives us the opportunity to prove that glasses are fabulous at any age by celebrating the specs wearers right on our doorstep who wear them with pride and plenty of style.”

The competition is part of Specsavers’ Love Glasses campaign and sees £1 for every entry donated to Kidscape.

Kimberley added: “We’re all more fragile and vulnerable when we’re young and bullying is much more prevalent than we think and takes many different forms.

“It’s important that we stand up to bullies, know how to spot the signs and encourage young people to have strength and the confidence to be themselves.”

There are four age categories for the completion, from 16 to 24, 25 to 39, 40 to 59 and 60 plus, as well as a Facebook favourite voted for by the public.

Each category winner will receive a VIP makeover and will attend the grand final in London in October.

For more information visit specsavers.co.uk/loveglasses