A SWINDON optician has been name Top Optical Adviser of the Year.

Haine and Smith Opticians have awarded the title to emplyee Sharon Horwell, who works at the Gorse Hill, practice.

Sharon, who lives in North Swindon, was chosen from 50 optical advisers across 19 Haine and Smith branches.

A happy Sharon said: “I am very proud to have won. It is quite unexpected and I’m really pleased. The award is given every year to the member of staff who deserves it most and I guess it was my time to win.

“I don’t think I did anything specific – just my job. It’s very nice to be recognised, though.”

Haine and Smith is an independent opticians with stores throughout Wiltshire and the surrounding areas of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.

Senior partner Barry Smith went to the Gorse Hill practice to present the award, which is given in memory of Rupert, his son, who was also training as an optical advisor when he died in a tragic accident in 2001.

Barry said: “Sharon is cheerful and her extremely caring nature means a warm atmosphere welcomes all patients to the Gorse Hill practice. She is certainly a deserving winner of the 2016 award.”

Sharon has worked for Haine and Smith for what she described as “12 happy years”.