CHILDREN in the Malvern area have been invited to take part in an artwork competition by an independent opticians while schools are closed due to coronavirus.

Holland Opticians, in Graham Rd in the town centre, has launched a competition for school children to design their own ‘Willy Wonka’ spectacles whilst schools are closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Staff at the practice have been inspired by their new Roald Dahl eyewear collection for kids, which styled featuring images and designs from the author’s famous works, including Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The winner of the competition will receive a set of 15 Roald Dahl books, with 2nd and 3rd placed entries also receiving prizes, whilst all other entries will be displayed in practice for visitors to enjoy.

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Partner and Optometrist Kirsty Litherland said: “With all the uncertainty around we thought it would be a great way to keep kids occupied whilst they are off school and keep their creative juices flowing.

“Of course, children should rightly be doing the work set for them, but doing an artistic activity is a fantastic way to have fun whilst also learning about the importance of eye health.

“We’ve been blown away by the creativity of the some of the entries that have been sent in already, but we’d love to see what other children can do and see the talent that our local kids have to offer.”

Entries can be posted to the practice or sent via email to: info@hollandopticians.co.uk with name, age and contact details of the entrant. Entries close on 5th April, with the winner announced on Holland’s Facebook page on April 10.

For more information, please call the practice on 01684 573942.

Schools were closed by education secretary Matt Hancock on Friday, March 20, amid continued concerns over the spread of coronavirus.

For all the latest updates on coronavirus, head to www.malverngazette.co.uk