A NEW campaign is being launched in north Oxford to make the area a ‘great place to grow old’.

Summertown's ‘Take a Seat’ campaign asks local businesses to allow the elderly a place to rest while walking around the area.

Launched by care provider Home Instead Senior Care Oxford, the informal partnership with local businesses will see retailers displaying a ‘Come in and take a seat’ sticker on windows, to 'demonstrate that they are age friendly'.

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It means older citizens who are out shopping can stop and have a rest and a glass of water, before continuing with their business.

The concept takes inspiration from an initiative in New York, which was then adopted in Nottingham, where more than 300 shops have signed up.

Mychaila Marsden, Home Instead's Community Development Officer, explained: "It’s such a great, simple initiative which can really make a difference within our local community.

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"We are committed to changing the face of ageing and believe that small changes like this campaign can make a real difference.

"Our aim is to have 100 business owners supporting the campaign by the end of 2019."

The campaign, which launches on Friday, May 24, has also won the backing of local MP Layla Moran.

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The Oxford West and Abingdon representative said: “I am extremely excited about the Take a Seat campaign and I am grateful to Mychaila and the team at Home Instead for all the work they have put in. I too am committed to helping our senior citizens within our community.

“It is a great idea and I ask that all local businesses get behind the campaign, display a sticker and show support.”

The campaign launch will be hosted by COOK Oxford, on Banbury Road.

Manager Kristie Davies said: "At COOK in Summertown we have always had a chair available for our customers who want to take the weight of their feet. We are thrilled to be an integral part to the launch of this exciting project and really pleased that our retail neighbours are getting behind this too."