Last year, people across North and West Cumbria recycled £30,000 worth of walking aids by giving them back to the NHS.

More than 800 elbow crutches and 740 zimmer frames were given back to NCIC in order to be reused by the health service.

NCIC have urged patients who are given crutches, walking sticks or zimmer frames to bring them back once they are no longer needed.

The equipment is then professionally cleaned and reused.

Fiona Wright Deputy Head of Physiotherapy said: “We need the crutches and other walking aids to be returned so we can use them for other patients.

“We’re asking people to hand them in, you’re not only helping us but it’s much better for the planet when we reuse equipment.

“Many of you may have stored them away and forgotten they are in the home. Please bring them back so we can re-use them.

“It is perfectly safe to bring them back for them to be professionally cleaned so they can be safely reused by other patients.”