TRENDY shades can seriously damage eyesight.

That is the warning from Wigan Council's Trading Standards officers, who are endorsing a campaign, organised by Guide Dogs for the Blind, appealing for people not to be tempted into buying sub-standard sunglasses.

They are aiming to ensure glasses which do not carry the CE safety mark, and are illegal in Europe, are not on sale in the Leigh area.

Chief officer Alan Blundell said: "Sunglasses are there not to make people look trendy, but to protect their eyes against ultra-violet light in the sun's glare.

"Those which don't filter out UV can actually cause more damage than no sunglasses at all. The darkened lenses make the eye dilate and this lets in more potentially harmful UV light than usual."

Shoppers who sees shades on sale without a CE marking are asked to contact the department on 01942 827666.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is launching a Shades for a Day campaign on Wednesday, July 18, when businesses, schools and individuals are being invited to take part by paying £1 to wear sunspecs for the day.