One of Preston’s most famous sons was back in the city recently to open a new branch of Specsavers.

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff cut the ribbon at the opticians which is part of the Sainsbury’s in Deepdale – on the aptly named Flintoff Way.

He was alongside Specsavers co-founder Dame Mary Perkins who marked the chain’s 800th store opening.

She said: “When we opened our first Specsavers store in Bristol in 1984 it was impossible to imagine that we would one day be opening our 800th store; it is an amazing milestone.

“The Deepdale store is the fifth we have opened in a Sainsbury’s since August last year. We are delighted with the success of this collaboration with Sainsbury’s and have agreed to open a further nine locations in Sainsbury’s before the end of March next year.”

Read more: Andrew Flintoff wanted to buy Preston’s old Post Office building

Freddie took part in the store opening on Friday (1 December).

He told Business Lancashire: “One of the first lessons they teach you in cricket, football or any sport as a kid is to keep your eye on the ball but so many of us take our sight for granted.

“To see how far eye and audiology healthcare has developed since Specsavers opened its first store is incredible. I’ve heard how nearly half of all sight loss is preventable* so I’m fully behind Specsavers.”

Read more: Preston’s Toys’R’Us is not on the closures list

The Deepdale Specsavers is being operated by Chris Shore and Sean Buckley who also run the Friargate branch.