AN age-friendly shopping scheme is set to be launched in Leigh town centre on Friday

Ambition for Ageing (AfA) is inviting residents to its stall in the centre of Bradshawgate between 9am to 2pm to tell them about the shops that will provide support to older people.

The borough scheme is called "Sit thi Deawn/Take a Seat", which has already been introduced by the volunteer-run organisation in Atherton and Pemberton.

Free cups of tea, coffee or water and a seat will be offered by a selection of stores in the town centre to people over the age of 50 who feel unwell.

An AfA spokeswoman said: "The idea behind this project is to make Leigh a more age-friendly shopping experience for people over the age of 50, by encouraging a good relationship and mutual respect between shops and their older customers.

"Additional guidelines have been given to shops to make their premises more accessible inside."

An emergency phone call and restroom facilities will also be provided in some shops.

The scheme follows issues raised by older residents in AfA forums when they provided reasons why they are likely to avoid visiting the town centre.