More than 200 Nottinghamshire businesses have made their shops and buildings more age-friendly as part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Take A Seat initiative, less than six months after the launch of the campaign.

The Pud childrenswear stores in Mansfield and Newark — owned by 2016 BBC Apprentice finalist, Frances Bishop — became the 200th and 201st premises to register with the scheme.

It aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation by reassuring older people that shops provide a welcoming environment for them.

Businesses displaying a We Are Age Friendly sticker are making a commitment to older people and people with a disability or chronic illness that they will be offered a seat when they go inside, should they need to rest. Many will also offer a drink and, if accessible, use of their toilet facilities.

Coun John Handley, vice-chairman of Communities and Place Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Initiatives like this make a difference to people’s lives and help reduce loneliness. Not only that, they can improve the vibrancy and vitality of our high street by making town centres more accessible to older people by allaying their concerns.”

Frances urged other businesses to take part. She said: “A little bit of kindness goes a long way and it does have a positive impact on our community, high streets, and in-store shopping experience.”

For further information about the campaign, including which businesses are taking part in each district of the county, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/takeaseat

Pictured celebrating the 200th Nottinghamshire Take A Seat business are 90 year-old Violet Allsopp, of Mansfield, with, from left, Rebekah O’Neill, Four Seasons Shopping Centre manager; Gillian Wheatcroft, Age Friendly Notts; Frances Bishop; Coun John Handley; and Rob Bryant, Age Friendly Notts.