Prisoners repair specs for charity

'The prison inmates are literally changing the lives of children and adults who would otherwise struggle to see,' said Leeds-based optometrist Kath Stott, trainer at Wealstun for VAO. 'But with them they can see to study or to earn a living. The inmates have responded magnificently.' Stacey Tasker, the governor at Wealstun, said: 'The rising demand to get involved means we have expanded the original team and are coping better with the volume of spectacles which come in to us. 'We don't charge a fee for the work but the prisoners are still volunteering because they genuinely see it as an opportunity to provide a valuable service. This is a positive side of prison life which isn't always appreciated outside.' Leeds Co-op optical manager, Dace Janney, commented: 'We're proud to be working with Wealstun inmates and will keep the collection boxes in place for as long as there are spectacles to collect.'