The family of a 100-year-old woman with hearing loss have praised shop staff for the heartwarming friendship they have struck up.

Alfreda Whitworth has been visiting Felixstowe Specsavers, in Hamilton Road, for the last five years.

The Felixstowe resident has completely lost her hearing in one ear and experiencing reduced hearing in the other, something her family worried would impact her social life. 

Alfreda Whitworth and her daughter Heather Alfreda Whitworth and her daughter Heather (Image: Tigerbond)

The centenarian's daughter, Heather Janaskie, who lives in the USA, said she could not be happier by the effort and support staff go to for her mother.  

She particularly praised the work of Westly Fox and said she wished to highlight what they've done to help her stay social and feel "safe and comfortable".

Mrs Janaskie said: "She lives alone and has always been quite social, but regular Specsavers appointments with updates to her hearing aids have allowed her to maintain much of her social life.

"Westly, the audiology director at Specsavers Felixstowe has been incredibly helpful and patient with my mother’s hearing difficulties."

Westley and AlfredaWestley Fox, director of audiology at Specsavers Felixstowe, with Alfreda (Image: Tigerbond)

Mr Fox said he was delighted that he’s able to give Alfreda's family reassurance, while giving Alfreda the care she needs.

The director of audiology at the shop said: "Me and the team aim to make everyone feel safe and comfortable with us, but it makes the job worthwhile when I hear that people like Alfreda feel so happy with our service."