MEMBERS of Age UK Droitwich Spa are supporting a campaign to keep older people warm in winter.

Volunteers, staff and supporters of the town group highlighted their cause by presenting a knitted message to MP Sir Peter Luff.

The Mid-Worcestershire MP was given a blanket on Friday, February 7 to mark Warm Homes Week.

Age UK Droitwich Spa is supporting the National Age UK Spread the Warmth campaign which is all about helping old people to stay warm.

Every winter tens of thousands of older people in the UK become seriously ill or even die as a result of the cold.

Cold weather also causes a massive spike in associated health problems. Particularly heart attacks, strokes and breathing difficulties. Age UK has calculated that the annual cost to the NHS in England of cold homes is £1.36 billion.

Sir Peter said: "I hugely welcome Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign and I encourage people to listen to Age UK’s advice on how to stay warm and healthy. The Government wants to ensure that people should not suffer cold unnecessarily. That’s why it is offering grants of up to £4,000 towards insulating homes and encouraging landlords to improve energy efficiency."

Age UK Droitwich Spa, in partnership with NHS Health Trainers and Worcestershire Association of Carers, is holding a Winter Warmer event on Wednesday, February 26 between 10am and 2pm.

Information will be available on eating well, keeping warm and staying healthy in winter at Age UK Droitwich Spa’s offices, Severn House, 32 Ombersley Street.

Information and tips for staying warm in winter are also available at ageukds.org.uk or by calling 01905 772 126.