Hundreds queue for eclipse glasses as shops sell out

Hundreds of people have been queuing to buy a pair of specialist glasses to view the highly-anticipated solar eclipse.

They are among those hoping to catch a safe glimpse of the event, which is the UK's most significant since 1999.

In Howleys, Weymouth, 500 pairs flew off the shelves on Tuesday, so a member of staff drove 120 miles and back again to purchase 4,500 more.

Assistant Manager John Diment had to place a restriction on how many each customer could buy, and said the day before they were having to turn customers away.

"We did unfortunately, you know, some people understood, some people weren't happy," he said.

"Hopefully today we'll be able to fulfil everybody's needs of what they want."

After four-and-a-half hours of opening, the team had sold all 4,500 pairs of eclipse glasses.

Experts have said enthusiasts should not look directly at the Sun without specialist glasses.

Even brief exposure potentially causing lasting damage - and they also advise using an indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole camera.

And people should not be tempted to try using sunglasses or dark goggles instead.

Melanie Miller said securing some eclipse glasses meant she would not have to watch the eclipse through her dad's colander.

"I got four pairs of glasses and now the kids will be able to enjoy it, sadly I won't be here," she said.

Queuing for a couple of hours was not an issue for resident Sonia, who arrived at the shop for 06:00 BST.

"My little girl and my other children really, really want to watch it so I am getting the glasses for them," she said.

After waiting for an-hour-and-a-half, Francis got even more than what she wanted.

"Four pairs, I managed to get, and that is more than what I came in for, so I am thrilled," she said.