FOOT specialists are today hosting a pop-up clinic to tackle the soaring numbers of people in Southampton having undergoing amputations caused by complications with diabetes.

Shocking figures released by Diabetes UK show Southampton is one of the worst cities for limb amputations stemming from the illness.

Now health experts are holding a series of workshops urging people to take better care of their feet to prevent the condition deteriorating so much they suffer severe foot ulcers and infections which result in limbs needing to be removed.

It comes after the charity teamed up with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Solent NHS Trust to launch a pioneering new series of clinics.

Diabetes patients are vulnerable to foot-related problems due to raised blood sugars causing damage to sensation and circulation of the blood.

Around 12,000 people in Southampton suffer from the condition with the city named as the seventh worst for amputations.

Today's Putting Feet first sessions are being held at the Novotel Hotel in West Quay Road and are also run in partnership with Solent NHS Trust.

They features three interactive workshops where podiatrists will teach people with healthy feet how to keep them in good condition over the long term.

Last week patients and doctors united at Southampton General Hospital to launch the new Foot Protection Team offering people quicker access to education, advice and healthcare services.

It came after last October, the charity set up a dramatic display outside the Bargate of 148 shoes to resemble the number of amputations in Southampton for the past three years.

Jill Steaton, South East regional manager of Diabetes UK, said: "A single preventable amputation is one too many. This workshop not only gives people with diabetes the necessary practical advice and information about how to look after their feet, but will also help them understand what healthcare they should be getting."

"The session is designed for those with healthy feet with the aim of keeping them healthy for many years to come."

The session takes place from 11am-3.30pm and more information is available at pffsouthampton.eventbrite.co.uk.