Ten staff members at Specsavers in Coalville have collectively covered the equivalent distance of the Atlantic ocean in the space of three months - raising £400 for the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, Sands.

Starting the challenge in March, when restrictions permitted individuals to exercise outdoors, the team from the Belvoir Shopping Centre opticians donned their trainers to walk, run or cycle 2,880 miles before June 30.

However, the team surpassed the goal, travelling further than the equivalent route from Ambrose Light in New York to Lizard Point in Cornwall.

Shailan Ruparelia, Specsavers Coalville store director, said: "Our original goal was ambitious to say the least, but for the team to end up exceeding it is more than we could have hoped for.

"As restrictions were still in place while we were completing the challenge, we were unable to meet up and complete the challenge together in our local national parks.

"However, thanks to the generosity of friends, family and our wonderful customers, we've still been able to raise much-needed funds for a charity whose work is vital across the UK."

Sands is the leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity in the UK. Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to ensure that anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need it.

In line with guidance from the NHS, Specsavers is keeping safety measures in place, including the wearing of face coverings, unless there is a medical exemption.

This includes maintaining social distancing in stores, continuing to use PPE and sanitising all testing equipment and frames before and after each use.

Doors will be kept open whenever possible to improve ventilation and although card payments are still preferred, cash payments will be accepted too.

Specsavers will also continue to operate its Ask The Expert chat function on its website and its RemoteCare service, which enable customers to speak to an expert from the comfort of their home via video call or phone.

For more information or to book an eye test, call the store on 01530 817178 or click