内容摘要：Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has welcomed 29 councillors who have defected to his party in recent weeks from parties including the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has welcomed 29 councillors who have defected to his party in recent weeks from parties including the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

In Worcestershire alone, about 2,000 emergency admissions a year relate to falls, with the cost to the local NHS estimated at £20m.Nationally, the cost is estimated at £4.4bn.

"We know it's a rising issue," said Dr Kathryn Cobain, Herefordshire and Worcestershire's chief nursing officer, who praised the university's programme."I think it's brilliant.""We know when you got into hospital, your muscles decline... it leaves you at further risk of deteriorating physically."

Dr Cobain highlighted how other options were available, including a countywideWorcestershire's libraries also offer residents free resistance bands and leaflets with simple steps to improve balance.

One in three adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year, according to the NHS.

That includes Shan South, 70, a walking group leader. Two years ago she tripped on a walk and broke her collarbone.Paying tribute, his family said he often initially came across as shy but once people knew him, it was "easy to see how loving and caring he was, and how funny".

"Jacob had a wonderful group of friends who have given us tremendous support during this difficult time," they said in a statement."We are meeting friends of his we didn't know he had, who are all telling us stories about how much of an incredible friend he was."

Two others - Simon Evans, 18, and 17-year-old Jenson Bridges - also died in the crash, while another teenager, who has not been named, suffered life-changing injuries.Police have repeated an appeal for information surrounding the circumstances of the crash.