AN ALLOA man is hoping to prove he has the specs appeal after making it through to the next stage of a national fashion competition. 

Greig Paterson, 39, has been announced as a regional finalist in the 35-44 age category of the Spectacle Wearer of the Year awards and is in the frame to win £10,000.

This year’s event, organised by Specsavers, was launched by former Girls Aloud member Nadine Coyle and promotes looking and feeling great in your eyewear. 

And Greig admitted he couldn’t believe his eyes when he realised he had progressed to the next round.

He said: “I was so shocked to find out I had made it to the next stage of the competition.

“I came across the Spectacle Wearer of the Year Awards on Twitter and decided to enter. I had completely forgotten I had entered until I got the call to say I had made it through to the next stage.

“I’d love to make it through to the final to be in the running for the £10,000 prize.”

Working as an engineering manager in Grangemouth, he is one of only ten regional finalists to get to the next stage of the competition in Scotland.

Greig was welcomed to Specsavers in Alloa by assistant manager Kieran Gouden, who presented him with a certificate, £150 voucher and a bottle of champagne.

The store’s employees are right behind him and are cheering him on to go even further. 

Kieran said: “All our staff are rooting for Greig – we hope he makes it through to the next stage of the competition to represent Alloa at the awards ceremony in London.”

Now in its 22nd year, the competition raises valuable funds for anti-bullying charity Kidscape, which has totalled £400,000 to date. 

The competition has five age categories and a winner from each will receive a VIP makeover and the chance to mingle with celebrities at a Central London awards ceremony in October.