A STYLISH pensioner has become a regional finalist in this year's Spectacle Wearer of the Year competition.

Karate enthusiast Lauren Corney, 67, from Wilberfoss, was picked put of hundreds of entrants in the over 60s category after she submitted a selfie of her wearing glasses.

Originally from South Shields, Mrs Corney moved to York 37 years ago and now classes herself as an honorary Yorkshire woman, and has worn glasses for the last 56 years.

She said: "My teacher at school noticed that I was struggling to see the blackboard and wondered if my poor eyesight was the reason why I wasn’t doing very well at school.

"I got my eyes tested and after that, I started to pick up the pace and get back on track.

"Glasses have become a part of who I am. I match them to my outfits, so have a variety of colours and styles to compliment what I wear."

Ellie Mace, store manager from Specsavers York, presented Mrs Corney with a certificate, a bottle of champagne and £150 eyewear voucher.

This year’s awards ceremony is hosted by former Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle and will be held in London on October 10.

A top prize of £10,000 is up for grabs for the nationwide winner.