As temperatures remain chilly the city council is reminding older residents they can get help to stay warm.

Any Preston City Council resident aged 70 or over who owns the property they live in can seek help.

This will get the resident a free boiler service and gas fire safety check.

If the weather turns colder, help to clear paths and steps for the property can also be provided.

Age Concern are offering support for shopping and collecting prescriptions.

To qualify for the shopping help, you need to be aged 50 or over.

Councillor Robert Boswell, cabinet member for community and environment, said: “It is important that older people know that there is support available to help them during the colder months.

“There is a criteria to qualify which ensures that the most vulnerable people get support. There is only a limited amount of funding so if people need help they should contact the relevant services. We aim to help as many people as possible.”

Anyone who knows a resident who could qualify should ask them to call Help Direct on 0303 333 111.

Image credit to Elliott Brown