Darlington Soroptimists is supporting the United Nations campaign 'Orange the World' to help stop violence against women and girls - at local, national and international levels.

The global campaign runs for 16 days every year. The colour orange was chosen to signify a brighter future.

This year the Soroptimists want to hit two targets - to highlight the problem of violence and to boost footfall in Darlington town centre.

From November 25 until December 10, members of the public can follow a trail of orange shoes displayed in independent businesses.

At each location a poster will be in the window and on the premises will be a numbered orange shoe.

A note on each shoe will describe some aspect of violence against women and will raise awareness of an escalating problem, described by the police as ‘an epidemic’.

To win a small prize, participants will match the numbers with the locations and then email the Soroptimist club - darlingtonsorops@gmail.com - with their findings.

The independent businesses taking part are in Northumberland Street, Grange Road, Blackwellgate, Skinnergate, Clark’s Yard, Post House Wynd and Bondgate.

“We hope people will have fun finding the shoes and will enjoy exploring some of the town centre’s smaller enterprises,” said Barbara Brown of the Soroptimist club.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to support the independents and are thrilled that they are all keen to take part.”

Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer movement for women, founded in 1921. The Darlington club has been active in the town since 1948.

Members work to transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.

Find them on Facebook or email: darlingtonsorops@gmail.com