CARE home residents have been adding their own artistic touch to add a splash of colour to their dull grey walking aids.

Stockton Borough Council is running the “Make my Zimmer Shimmer” campaign to try and reduce the frequency of falls.

Residents have been personalising their walking aids using ribbons, foam, glitter and other colourful materials to make them easier to see.

Councillor Jim Beall, the council’s cabinet member for adult services and health, said: “The idea of decorating a walking aid may be a simple and fun one but it could have a big impact when it comes to keeping people in care homes safe.

“The colourful designs are easily recognisable so it is less likely that they will be forgotten or mixed up with someone else’s aid which could result in a fall. Some very eye-catching designs have been created and it was great to see residents were getting so much enjoyment from the craft sessions.”

Woodside Grange care home in Thornaby was one of the first to take part in the scheme.