OLDER folk are being invited to step out and visit new places or try different activities.

Help the Aged has teamed up with British Gas for the month-long Stepping Out programme running throughout June.

Nearly 58,000 older people took advantage of the hundreds of discounts on offer during Stepping Out last year. This summer, older people can again save money with a diverse range of deals, including discounted travel by rail and road, as well as reduced price entrance fees to houses and gardens, castles, museums, hotels, theatres and local tourist attractions.

Details of offers available are in the Stepping Out brochure. For a free copy, contact the Stepping Out hotline on 01227 866 895. Anyone can order a Stepping Out brochure, including community members on behalf of older friends, neighbours and relatives (max 5 per person).

Partners and activities in the north of England include: the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, Blackpool Tower and Circus, Louis Tussaud's Waxworks, the Royal Horticultural Society, Privilege Holiday Club, Grange and Ramada Jarvis Hotels and the Ambassador Theatre Group.

Regular Stepping Out partners, English Heritage and the National Trust, are also on board again to provide a range of discounts to shows and other attractions.

As part of this year's event, English Heritage is offering an unprecedented deal, including 25 per cent off the first visit to English Heritage properties, 50 per cent off the second visit, with the third visit free of charge.