Nearly 500 people took part in a falls advice and information event held in Hereford’s High Town.

The event was organised by the Wye Valley NHS Trust, as a part of its falls prevention service.

Everyone who attended received advice and information about the importance of eating a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, to develop and maintain healthy bones for people of all ages, and also to prevent osteoporosis later in life.

Dozens of walking aid checks were carried out – a number had the worn out rubber feet on their walking aids replaced - and some were referred to Herefordshire’s falls prevention service for further assessment.

Jo Burns, falls prevention service lead at Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “We’re pleased that we managed to speak to so many people. Falls prevention is everyone’s business so we’d like to thank those who made time to find out how they can reduce their own and other people’s risk of falling.

“More than 2,000 people who fall, or have risk factors for falling, are referred to our service each year and are offered advice, assessment and interventions, on how to reduce the risk of falls.

“Recommendations include specific exercise, eyesight, hearing and medication checks, eating a balanced diet, ensuring homes are hazard free and have good lighting, looking after your feet and wearing good fitting shoes and slippers.

“If anyone is worried about their balance, dizziness or falls it’s important that they contact their GP or call our service direct.”

This year the event was supported by the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) which set up next to the falls service to give out information about home fire safety.

“We found that many of the people who are at risk of a fall also face issues regarding fire safety in their home so it was extremely useful being able to talk to people about these two important issues,” said HWFRS Area Commander Mark Preece.

To get advice from the falls prevention service or have a free assessment at your home or local clinic call 01568 617309 or visit www.wyevalley.nhs.uk (community services, falls service).

To find out more about home fire safety check call 0800 032 1155 or visit www.hwfire.org.uk.