Whiteley's glasses assist others

A pair of the TV host's glasses have enabled a 15-year-old girl to see

The late TV presenter Richard Whiteley's glasses are helping to improve the sight of people in Africa.

Three pairs of his spectacles have been given to visually impaired people in Ethiopia through Vision Aid Overseas, a charity that recycles unwanted glasses.

A tailor called Adam could not thread a needle until he was given a pair of the Countdown presenter's trademark glasses.

Mr Whiteley, 61, who lived in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, died two years ago.

His long-term partner Kathryn Apanowicz said the late broadcaster would have been "cock-a-hoop" to have known his glasses were giving sight to others.

People wouldn't have known who the heck he was but his memory lives on Kathryn Apanowicz, Mr Whiteley's partner

The glasses made their way to Africa with the help of Mr Whiteley's neighbour Michele De Vaal.

For many years, Mr De Vaal has been volunteering for Vision Aid Overseas and he took three pairs of the TV star's glasses in the hope someone could see.

A 15-year old girl called Tablet was given the second pair, enabling her to see the blackboard in her classroom and a school headmaster with only one good eye has received the third pair.

Ms Apanowicz said: "People wouldn't have known who the heck he was but his memory lives on and it lives on thousands of miles away. I'm very proud of him."

Tim Marsh, Director of Vision Aid Overseas, said: "Our patients are among the poorest people on earth and have very limited access to eye care or none at all."