Retired engineer, 90, up for national gong

A RETIRED engineer who designed a device to help visually impaired people read has been nominated for a national award.

Les Geddes has manufactured 900 units of the Geddes Reader, which allows people who have macular disease, a condition which destroys the central vision of elderly people in particular, to read much more easily.

The 90-year-old and his team of volunteers produce the device for just 65, instead of the 3,000 similar models cost.

Les' son John, who nominated him for the Macular Disease Society award, said: "The design and manufacturing takes dedication from Les and his team, and even though my father is getting on a bit, at 90 he is still happy to help a worthy cause by producing a low cost product to help people with MD."