AN optician who is running his first marathon has turned the occasion into an international affair.

Andrew Downie, the new owner of Tromans Family Eyecare, in Worcester Road, Malvern Link, is to take part in the Stockholm race on Saturday, June 9.

He entered the gruelling 26-mile run with the intention of getting fit, but after pressure from his customers to do it for charity, he is now raising money for a school in India.

Mr Downie, aged 31, and his family sponsor a pupil called Julie Marykatty through the charity World Vision.

He has raised more than £300 already, mainly through customers at Tromans, and said their generosity had been an eye-opener.He added: "The Christmas before last my family decided to give money to charity instead of handing out presents. We raised enough money to sponsor Julie for about ten years.

"I never intended to do the marathon for charity but so many people told me they would sponsor me, I decided to raise some money for Julie's school in India.

"I decided to donate all the money the opticians receive for repairs and small jobs towards the charity and it has amazed me the amount of local people who have given far more than the price we have quoted because of the cause.

"People have been putting in £5 and £10 notes for jobs that cost just a couple of pound. Everyone in the Link has been so generous."

Mr Downie added that if anyone wanted their spectacles cleaned, tightened or repaired, Tromans will happily donate any fee to World Vision.

For more information call Tromans Eye Care on 01684 565145.