STAFF from an opticians raised money for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in store ahead of a 30km trek this month.

The team from Specsavers in the Idlewells shopping centre, Sutton, have already collected more than £1,200 towards their ambitious £1,750 fundraising target.

A bake sale and tombola in May saw £534 raised for the charity challenge.

Five team members ­— Liam Foster, Carly Wright, Natalie Ayre, Shai Rhodes and Jordan Sharpe, pictured above — are taking part in the South Downs trek, organised by the charity on Saturday, 6th July.

The 30km route will take walkers from Firle Beacon in West Sussex to Eastbourne. There are steep ascents and descents along the way, with the challenge expected to take between 10 and 12 hours.

Store director Nigel Davidson said: “Our team is well known for its impressive fundraising efforts and reaching £1,200 is already quite an achievement.

We’re confident we’ll hit, and quite possibly smash, our fundraising target for the RNIB. We share many of the charity’s passions and it does invaluable work supporting people who are affected by sight loss.

“As always, we want to thank our wonderful customers for all their support and donations.”

To find out more and make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamspecsaverssutton or pop in to the store.

The RNIB works to offer help and support for anyone affected by sight loss — anything from practical and emotional support, campaigning for change, reading services and advice on available technology.