A champion teenage diver from Yeadon had her sight saved after a chance check-up at the opticians revealed she needed emergency surgery.

Samantha Higgins from Westfield Oval, found that she needed emergency surgery to prevent a retinal tear leaving her blind.

Just weeks after recovering from the operation, 14-year-old Samantha, who dives professionally for the City of Leeds, was back on form and diving in international competitions.

Samantha, who attends Guiseley School, had gone for a routine check-up with her mum at the Specsavers Opticians in Guiseley, where Store Director, Anjham Akbar, discovered she had a dangerous tear in her retina.

Samantha said: "It was a surprise when Mr Akbar said that I had torn my retina and I was worried because I was due to compete in Barcelona."

Mr Akbar referred Samantha to a specialist, who operated on her right eye at St James' s Hospital, Leeds, the following day.

Samantha, who has been diving for six years and holds the Scottish National one metre and three metre board titles, feels she owes her sight to the routine eye check-up.

Samantha said: "I wasn't too pleased when I was diagnosed with the eye problem and couldn't practice for four weeks, but I know I'm very lucky to still have my sight."

Mr Akbar said: "For someone of Samantha's age it is quite unusual and very serious - the op was absolutely essential.''