A NEW opticians in Chard celebrated its official opening this week after a re-branding.

Boots Opticians in Fore Street, opened on Monday. The store was formerly Donald and Aitchison, but has changed its branding as part of a national merger.

Cathy Holten, owner of the opticians has been in Chard for 16 years. The store is the first franchise in the South West to convert to Boots.

Local GP Dr Kate Stoweley and Jason Madams from Boots Head Office were in town for the official opening.

Cathy said: “I am excited and looking forward to the changes that Boots Opticians will bring.

“Customers will benefit from a different pricing structure and, which will be clearer and prices will be reduced. It is a new name but we still have the same fantastic team.”

The first customer in store was impressed with the changes she saw.

Mrs Gill Ashbrook from Forton said: “I thought how smart all the staff looked in their new uniforms, they all looked very professional.”

YOU can book an eye test at the store by calling 01460-63097.