She's Eye Catching

An article from the Free Press 2006 when Rachel was chosen to take part in the regional semi-final of Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of year 2007 in Cardiff.

Local model Rachel Rice has proved she's got real specs appeal after being chosen to represent Cwmbran in a national modelling competition run by Specsavers Opticians to find the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2006.

Rachel, 22, from Cwmbran, was picked from more than 3,000 UK entries to take part in the regional semi-final, which takes place at Specsavers Opticians in Cardiff on August 9.

Rachel, a procurement and contracts assistant, said: "I am shocked to have been chosen to go through to the semi-final, I didn't think I stood a chance. I would love to go on to win the modelling contract and such a fantastic holiday it would be a dream come true!"

Rachel entered the competition following a visit to her local Specsavers store in Llewellyn Walk, Cwmbran for a routine eye test and a new pair of specs. Store director Leighton Griffiths said: "As soon as our staff spotted Rachel we knew she had specs appeal.

"It is great to have someone from our local town representing Wales in such a prestigious competition and we wish her the very best of luck. It just goes to show that everyone can look good in glasses and it is no longer a stigma to wear them."

If Rachel is successful in the regional heat she will secure a place at the celebrity Grand Final at London's Waldorf Hilton hotel on Tuesday, October 3, to be held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The top prize includes a one-year modelling contract with top London agency MOT, the chance to appear in a Specsavers press advert, an all-inclusive, luxury and a two-week break to the Maldives, courtesy of Hayes & Jarvis and the Maldives Tourism Promotional Board.

(First published in the Free Press on 20th July 2006)