A BLACKBURN optician has been named national Optician of the Year at the 'optics oscars'.

Philip Jones, who commutes from his Ravenswing Avenue home to his Carnforth practice, was singled out by judges for special praise.

He took top prize in the Best New Optician category of the awards ceremony, which took place in London and was hosted by Optician magazine.

Speaking after the ceremony, he said: "This is an achievement which all at the practice have contributed towards. To win means a great deal to us."

TV funnyman Harry Hill presented the award.

Philip Jones Opticians was given a special mention by Chris Bennett, the editor of Optician.

He said: "The entry was singled out by the judges. One commented that it had probably the best business plan for a new practice he had ever seen."