OLDER people in York will have the chance to get advice on everything from housing to hearing, pensions to leisure at an event later this month.

The annual York 50+ Information Fair will take place on Thursday, September 10, spread over four York venues: the Guildhall, the Spurriergate Centre, St Sampson’s and York library.

There will be 43 stands offering advice, information, tips and tasters as well as time for a cup of tea and a chance of winning on the tombola.

The Lord Mayor will be opening the fair at 10am. Sue Lister, York 50+ Festival Coordinator, said: “The role passes from one incumbent to another over the years, but their support for our festival is unwavering, and warmly appreciated.”

30 of the stands will be at the Guildhall itself, and will deal with health, housing, benefits, home care, legal matters, food, mobility and transport.

Participants will range from a Scottish Country Dancing group to Healthwatch York, and from the York-Munster Twinning Association to Age UK York, who will be giving advice on looking after your pets if you are taken ill.

The CYC Sport & Active Leisure team will also be there with information on a huge variety of active sessions from walking football to kung fu, gliding and fencing.

Ms Lister said: “Once more we thank our sponsors, Age UK York, Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, and the Foresters Friendly Society - we couldn’t print our 3,500 programmes without their support…and the friendly efficiency of Fulprint.”

As well as information stalls, for the first time the fair will also feature a series of 30 minute talks at the Guildhall between 11am and 2.30pm.

Among these talks will be ‘An Insight into Islam’ and a talk on legal advice by Crombie Wilkinson.

The fair is a precursor to the York 50+ Festival which runs from Saturday, September 26 until Sunday, October 4.

Ms Lister added: “It will be a hugely informative and enjoyable day. Please get everyone to put the date in their diaries!”