Dame Mary takes a stand

Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins has been named as a patron for national anti-bullying charity Kidscape.

Perkins, who has worked with the charity since 2008, was presented with a certificate to mark her support at a workshop called ZAP in central London run by Kidscape and its volunteers.

TV presenter Gok Wan also attended the event after accepting an invitation to be an ambassador for the charity, following his involvement with National Glasses Day and the Spectacle Wearer of the Year campaign.

Perkins said it was a pleasure to become a patron for the charity: 'The idea that any child can be bullied because of their appearance, race, intelligence, or simply because they wear glasses, is something I find cruel and upsetting. Anyone who witnesses the impact that a ZAP course has on each child can see how vital Kidscape's work is.'