OLDER people in Wiltshire are being invited to put their best foot forward and take advantage of a free slipper exchange next month on July 30.

Following the success of two previous events, Wiltshire County Council has organised another event where people will be able to swap their old slippers for new ones and find out more about care and support services.

The event, which is open to anyone over the age of 65, is being held in the Nadder Hall, Tisbury on Wednesday, 30 July between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

Every year more than 30,000 people in the country who are aged over 75 suffer some type of fall. All falls have distressing consequences, and many lead to serious injuries such as hip fractures, and hospital admissions. One cause of such falls is poorly fitting and worn out slippers.

To help keep people safe the county council has organised the slipper exchange.

The aim of these events is to promote the well-being and health of older people living in their own homes and provide an opportunity for older people to see the range of services that are available to support them.

Wiltshire residents who bring along a pair of old, worn-out slippers will be able to exchange them free for a new pair which will be fitted by trained fitters. The new slippers are comfortable, warm and safe and will help reduce the risk of falls.

There will be advice and information available from a range of organisations including Age Concern, the Bobby Van, Care Connect and Anchor Staying Put.

People will also be able to find out about a variety of county council services including trading standards, care and support services for older people, and libraries.

The county council is also working in partnership with Natureform who is supplying the slippers and providing training on how to fit the slippers.

John Thomson, cabinet member for community services, said: "By giving people proper fitting slippers we are reducing the risk of people suffering debilitating falls which could cause distress and suffering to both themselves and their friends and family."