A CHAIN of Tees Valley opticians is making an innovative bid to put itself at the heart of the community.

Pagan Eyecare, which has branches in Darlington, Stockton and Middlesbrough, has successfully applied for business development funding to establish a newsletter featuring information about services and optical issues for customers and the public.

The recently launched publication aims to highlight the high levels of customer care offered at Pagan Eyecare outlets and introduces the "Peeper" family - a cartoon strip taking a light-hearted look at life of people who wear glasses.

Articles focusing on staff and information about issues associated with eye care and optical health are also included to provide useful information.

Mark Pagan, owner of Pagan Eyecare, said: "We were looking for a way to communicate the high levels of customer care that we strive to offer which, I strongly believe, sets us apart from some of the larger national chains.

"Our publication seeks to be both educational and informative as opposed to being just a piece of promotional literature detailing special offers."

He added: "The Peeper family is a fun way to introduce issues like the myths around wearing contact lenses and we have also included a word search with a sponsored prize to interest younger readers."

Pagan Eyecare's publication will be partly financed by an Innovation Grant, which Mr Pagan applied for with the help of Tees Valley Business Link.

Mr Pagan has worked with the Tees Valley offices of Business Link since he set up Pagan Eyecare last year.

Business Link advisor, Alan Holmes, who assisted Mr Pagan in obtaining the grant said: "The Innovation Action Fund has been created by One NorthEast to help accelerate the creation, acquisition and application of knowledge skills and new technology in the North-East.

"As a small company based in the region, Pagan Eyecare was eligible to apply for the grant as it had an innovative idea for improving its services."

Small and medium size enterprises with similar innovative ideas - be they in relation to business initiatives, new products or services - might be eligible for a grant from the Innovation Action Fund.

Further information is available from Business Link on (01642) 806 666.