Footballer Joe Cole surprised opticians in Braintree when he popped in for an eye test.

Customers at Patrick and Menzies Independent Opticians were pleasantly surprised when West Ham footballer and contact lens wearer Joe Cole took time out from the pitch to visit sports optometrists Gavin Rebello for a routine eye review. 

Joe Cole said: “Without wearing contact lenses, I wouldn't have been able to play at the high standards I did for my teams and my country.”