THE anguished owner of an optician's clinic has appealed for continuing public support for a charity dedicated to the memory of his daughter in the wake of revelations his business is the subject of a fraud probe.

Michael Hampton of Titton, Stourport, speaking for the first time after news of the National Health Service investigation said his company was co-operating fully and had "nothing to hide."

He is determined to continue the work of the Sarah Hampton Foundation, setting up an eye clinic for orphans and war victims in Romania.

Mr Hampton, 52, plans a week-long visit to Romania in December with a team of optometrists to install equipment at the clinic in Ordea after raising £15,000.

But the founder of the Sunshine Appeal, so named because of the sunny nature of his 20-year-old daughter killed in a road accident in May, will return to face possible charges relating to business finances.

Inquiries are said to relate to allegations of "inappropriate" claims potentially totalling tens of thousands of pounds and including claims made for eye tests for people who have died.

News that NHS Counter Fraud Operational Services is looking into the Bromsgrove business has come as a body blow at a time when the foundation is taking off with huge support from the public.

But Mr Hampton said he wanted to make clear the investigation involving himself and other directors had nothing to do with the Sarah Hampton Foundation.

"I cannot comment now on the matters under investigation, but the last thing I want is for this to adversely affect the charity which means a great deal to all of us."

"Efforts are being made to continue to establish the clinic in early December."

The investigation reported to cover claims made by the business over the past three or four years is expected to be completed by early January when a decision will be made on whether to press charges.

It was sparked by the discovery of an anomaly in the amount of claims received by Worcestershire Health Authority.

Director Ian Robinson said the inquiry was centred on Hamptons Optical Ltd, owners of Crown Eye Care Centre, until recently was known as Hamptons The Opticians of Bromsgrove.

He confirmed the inquiry was "ongoing" adding: "However we are pleased the health authority have stated their wish is for us to continue the good work at the opticians providing a service to the local community. As far as we are concerned it is business as usual."

The foundation has received publicity in the Shuttle/Times & News and elsewhere in the West Midlands for work in Romania since August linked with the Amblecote Christian Centre.