AN opticians celebrated 25 years of trading by donating more than £19,000 to a disabled children’s charity.

Rayleigh Vision Centre, in High Street Rayleigh, raised the cash for the charity Whizz-Kidz, which gives disabled children access to mobility equipment, over seven years.

To raise the money, there was a collection box on the reception counter. It also sold photographs of the Inca Trail in Peru, taken by Nick Kinna, owner and manager of the centre.

Mr Kinna said: “Our loyal customers have been truly magnificent in their generosity, as the size of the donation testifies.”

Regional fundraising manager for the charity, Ashley Westpfel, attended the to accept the cheque. He said: “It’s been a wonderful afternoon and everyone is just so jolly here. The amount they’ve raised is really quite astonishing.” Visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk for more information.