A DISPENSING assistant from Launceston has set off on the trip of a lifetime to help save the sight of people in Africa.

Kirsty Knight, dispensing assistant at Specsavers, was accepted on to the programme run by Vision Aid Overseas (VAO).

Kirsty, who had already undertaken an intense two-day induction to the programme, has gone to Zambia for two weeks to work in vision centres that have been set up by the charity to teach laboratory technicians and install state of the art vision equipment in the centre.

Kirsty said: "Access to eyecare is something that we take for granted in the UK yet many people across the world cannot afford it.

"I am honoured to have the opportunity to provide treatment and support for those less fortunate."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.