OLDER people will be shown how to avoid falls at a new group in Keighley.

The Staying Steady sessions at Keighley Healthy Living will help people improve their strength and balance.

Healthy Living spokesman Stephen Pugh said: "Staying Steady is an evidence-based Falls Prevention class with exercise and education to help prevent falls.

"It is suitable for anyone over 60 who has had a fall or has a fear of falling. The sessions include exercises that help improve balance, strength and walking.

"Educational topics are covered to help reduce falls and risks – these include footwear, vision, vitamin D and environmental hazards.

"Preventing falls and reducing risk is very important because around a third of people aged 65 and over fall each year, increasing to half of those aged 80 and over.

"Amongst older people living in the community, 5% of those who fall in a given year will suffer from fractures and hospitalisation."

The sessions begin on January 9 and will run on Thursdays for six weeks, from 12.15pm to 1.15pm. Email admin@khl.org.uk to book a place.