HEALTH workers and a leading British charity have joined forces to protect the elderly from the current cold snap.

As forecasters predict several days of freezing weather, Bolton's Health Promotion team and Age Concern have united to warn the elderly about the dangers of hypothermia and cold related illnesses.

Free copies of "Keep Warm Keep Well" are available from community centres, GP surgeries, libraries and Age Concern. Numerous leaflets giving helpful hints and advice on how to keep warm without breaking the bank are available free through Age Concern's Ashburner Street headquarters.

Information and advice is also available on how to spread the cost of heating.

"There's no reason why anyone should be cold in their own homes, we are here every day to give help and advice to the elderly who are particularly vulnerable at this time of year," said Eileen O'Rourke, Advice and Information Officer with Age Concern.

There is also information available on diet, loft insulation and the Government grants which are available to protect your home against the cold. In December last year the BEN reported on the death of 84-year-old Nora Leigh, who was found dead in her freezing flat in Laburnum Grove, Horwich.

Mrs Leigh is thought to have died from hypothermia.

"More often than not the measures the old can take to protect themselves are very simple and relatively inexpensive. There is a wealth of information and advice available which we strongly recommend the elderly themselves and their families to seek," said Joan Bradley, Senior Health Promotion Specialist in Bolton. "The public too can do its bit. In this weather the elderly are loathe to go out, simply by knocking on the door and making sure your neighbour is well can do a great deal to protect them."

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