The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Irene Waudby, will don her shades next Friday (29 June), in support of Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The Lord Mayor will join thousands of people across the county who will put on their shades, sun visors or sun hats to raise awareness of the need to protect the eyes when outside during the day. It's very important for everyone, particularly children, to protect their eyes form the sun. Exposure to sunlight can lead to certain eye conditions such as cataracts of Age Related Macular Degeneration.

Research has shown that spending five or more house outside every day in the summertime during the teens and early adult years increases someone's risk of long term damage.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Waudby, will be joined in the celebrations by Freddie, an eight month old Guide Dog puppy, who is being 'walked' by one of the City of York Councillors.

She said: "Shades Day is a fantastic way to raise both money for Guide Dogs and to highlight the importance of wearing your sunglasses."

Tom Pey, Guide Dogs' director of public policy and development, and guide dog owner, said: "Education people in how to protect their sight is important, and one simple way to keep eyes healthy is to wear your sunglasses, If you're outside and the light is so bright that you have to squint or turn your head away, then you know you have to put on your shades.

"Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to be effective. Experts recommend wraparound-style sunglasses marked with a Type 2 or 3 and with a CE symbol. To cut out the most damaging blue light, it's best to choose shades with yellowish or amber lenses."

Anyone wanting to find out more about Shades Day should visit www.shadesday.org.uk for more information.