Older drivers who want to improve their skills and remain on the road for longer are being invited to free road safety sessions taking place across the Black Country.

They have been organised by the 4 Black Country councils, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and Highways England and will provide information, advice and guidance to help people aged 60 and over 'drive safer for longer'.

Councillor Steve Evans, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: "We are committed to helping people retain their independence and mobility, while remaining safe on the road.

"While many older people may be able to continue driving well into their 80s and 90s, as they get older it is important for them to regularly assess their driving and make adjustments if necessary.

"These free sessions are designed to enable drivers to recognise issues such as the gradual reduction in eyesight, decision making and reaction times and help them take action to address any potential problems so that they can drive safer for longer."

Brake, the road safety charity, says that there are more older drivers on the roads than ever before, with the number of drivers aged 70 plus in the UK increasing by more than a third between 2002 and 2013.

While research does not indicate that there is a specific age at which people become unable to drive safely - someone aged 70 may be fitter, more alert and active then someone else much younger - Brake says that ageing eventually brings about a general deterioration in health and physical ability, as well as changes in cognitive performance, all of which can affect driving.

This may be a gradual process, meaning people won't necessarily notice straight away if their driving is affected.

The Driving Safer For Longer sessions will take place at Haden Cross Fire Station, Cradley Heath, on Tuesday 19 March and Wednesday 20 November, Fallings Park Fire Station, Wolverhampton, on Friday 21 June and Walsall Fire Station on Friday 13 September. Places will be allocated on a first come basis.

To book your place, please call 01384 815433 or email road.safety@dudley.gov.uk. Sessions start at 10am and light refreshments will be available.