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Men will walk a mile in high heels around St Helens town centre next week to raise awareness of domestic violence.

The eye-catching initiative will see senior representatives of St Helens council and the fire service take part in the walk as part of White Ribbon Day on Wednesday, November 25.

The annual day seeks to encourage local residents and particularly men to pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

St Helens council is a White Ribbon authority , and has held the walk for the past four years.

The walk is open to the public, and starts at 12.15pm at St Helens Town Hall on Corporation Street.

White ribbons will also be displayed in council buildings and vehicles.

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Councillor Richard McCauley, cabinet member for transport, housing and community safety, will be among those taking part in the walk.

He said: “Along with our community safety partners, we fully support the aims of the White Ribbon Campaign. We continue to work to identify those who are victims of male violence and strive to ensure we hold perpetrators of violence to account for their actions.”

Merseyside Fire and Rescure Service will also be involved, with two fire engines present in the town centre displaying the sign: “Domestic abuse knows no race, religion, gender or age.”

Joanne Austin, outreach and marketing manager at The Women's Organisation, said: "Getting men to raise awareness of something that greatly affects women is brilliant, and if they are happy to do that in potentially painful high heels then good for them.

"Who knows, they may even find they enjoy wearing heels and we will see a new trend emerging.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) on 01744 743 200.

If your behaviour is hurting someone and you want to stop, contact the RESPECT helpline on 0808 802 4040.