HUNDREDS of pairs of slippers have been swapped under an "amnesty''.

Since Christmas pensioners have been able to exchange their old slippers for a new, slip-resistant pair thanks to the teamwork of Hampshire County Council and Age Concern.

More than 700 people across Hampshire have taken up the offer. The two organisations joined forces to rid the county of slippery slippers in a bid to prevent falls and accidents in the home.

Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thornber said: "This simple, yet effective idea, could indeed prevent older people from falling within their own homes and potentially being admitted to hospital initially, with long term care requirements into the future.'' John Morton, the assistant director of Age Concern, said: "This has been a huge success. To see some of the slippers that were handed in was quite frightening. They could have easily caused an accident.''