THE neglect and abuse of the elderly was highlighted during a special day.

A group from the county council was in the High Street last Friday for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Members of the county council's older people's team wore sashes and handed out adult abuse is a crime - let's end it now stickers to raise awareness of the seriousness of this crime.

Elder abuse takes many forms including physical, sexual, financial, neglect, discriminatory or psychological. It can be carried out by relatives, carers, professionals or even strangers. Many cases go unreported.

Anthony Blagg, the county councillor for Bromsgrove Central, said: "We need to spread the word among the residents of Bromsgrove that this sort of abuse exists and provide advice and information on what to do if they think someone is being abused. We need to put a stop to it."

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact the action line on 0808 8088141 or log on to www.worcestershire.gov.uk/adultabuse