CHIROPODIST Pam Dwyer is conducting a tour of community groups throughout Middlesbrough to encourage people to take better care of their feet.

She has taken up the post of community foot health educator, in a six-month project being funded by Teesside's Health Action Zone.

She is being welcomed by schools, mother and toddler groups, and ante-natal clinics in the Canon Park, West Lane and Whinney Banks areas.

Ms Dwyer, who works from The Gables Clinic, in Marton Road, is also visiting old people's groups and day centres as part of the project.

She said: "A lot of people, particularly those aged over 65 years, tend to neglect their feet, then end up with problems and need professional help."

Ms Dwyer said that some of the most common foot problems are caused by shoes, which are often worn too tight.

She said: "Teenagers in particular like to wear unlaced trainers, and this is really bad for them.

"Mothers often put shoes on babies far too early. They don't need them and it can affect growth."