PEOPLE have been learning how to prevent falls among the elderly.

The open day at Horden Welfare was organised by a community team involved in a project promoting older people's safety.

There were displays and advice was given by chiropodists, physiotherapists, practice nurses, Age Concern and other professionals.

The Horden community team is one of five in the Easington area set up as part of a Healthy Communities Collaborative programme, managed by Easington Primary Care Trust. In its first six months, it has reduced falls among the over-65s by 32 per cent in the five villages.

Project manager Les Grey said: "Within the first six months of the collaborative pilot, the teams have already exceeded the target reduction in falls by two per cent.

"This is due to the hard work of team members and the diverse range of initiatives that have been introduced to combat falls.

"This was the third falls awareness open day in the district, following the success of events held in Wheatley Hill and Thornley."