ELDERLY residents turned out in force for a special fair showcasing services available for older people in Tendring.

The Older People’s Fair, which took place at Clacton’s Princes Theatre, was organised by Clacton MP Giles Watling.

It was aimed at putting elderly people, especially those who are isolated, in touch with organisations, charities, support groups, businesses and community groups that offer services to the over-55s.

Mr Watling said: “The idea of hosting the fair came to me last year after talking with older people in the area.

“I realised people were not joining up with services that are already available to them, and that many of the services were not talking to each other.

“I thought it would be a good idea to get them all together in the same room to talk about things in a pleasant atmosphere.

“I am concerned about elderly residents who are isolated.

“It is particularly important in our area, where there is a large elderly population.

“My father died in 2001 and mother was left on her own.

“No matter what you do as a family, quite often elderly relatives can be isolated.

“My mother was lucky to have a family around her, but many people don’t have that - but there are services that can help.”

Exhibitors included Barclays Bank, who talked about cyber-crime prevention, Clacton Voluntary Services and solicitor’s practices who discussed wills.

Mr Watling hopes to run another fair next year.