Damaged or uneven pavement caused 2.5 million older people in the UK to fall last year, a recent survey has revealed.

Help the Aged has used National Falls Awareness Day, which took place earlier this week, to encourage older people to put pressure on local authorities to act on the state of local paving.

The charity found that 30 per cent of those who fell had to go to the hospital following their accident, while 56 per cent admit state that they are forced to avoid routes presenting damaged pavements.

Pamela Holmes, healthy ageing manager at the charity, explained: "Dangerous paving is stopping millions from leading independent and healthy lives. And for over-75s, falls are a leading cause of mortality."

Thirteen per cent are nervous at the idea of getting out of their house in case they fall again, and 22 per cent say better paving would help them lead a more independent life.

"Dangerous paving is stopping millions from leading independent and healthy lives," Ms Holmes added.

It is the third time that Help the Aged has organised a National Falls Awareness Day.