COOL civic leaders donned their sunglasses to raise money for the national guide dogs charity.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Greenwood, and the Sheriff of York, Coun Gil Nimmo, encouraged everyone to have fun in the sun this summer by wearing shades for the Guide Dogs Shades Day campaign.

They were among thousands of people across the country who wore their sunglasses at work, school and in the pub, while making a donation to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and raising awareness about eye health.

The charity is committed to investing in research into the causes and prevention of sight loss.

Tom Pey, Guide Dogs' director of policy and development, said: "Funding research into eye diseases is essential to understand the causes of blindness, and how to prevent this.

"Shades Day is an ideal opportunity to think about eye care.

"Good sunglasses protect the eyes from damaging UV sunlight which can contribute to macular degeneration and cataracts. Your shades don't have to be the most expensive - experts recommend wraparound sunglasses marked "Type 2" and with a CE symbol.

Meanwhile, the Evening Press reported yesterday that hundreds of people had flocked to York Hospital because of the scorching weather.

Many have suffered from breathing difficulties and heat-related illnesses.

Mike Proctor, director of nursing, said many patients were suffering from problems such as asthma linked to changes in weather, hot and humid conditions, high pollen counts and thunderstorms.

Updated: 10:23 Thursday, June 23, 2005