Volunteers are needed to help older and vulnerable people in cold snaps this winter.

Community centres and other buildings will be opened when temperatures drop below 2°C for 48 hours or more, or when heavy snow or ice is forecast.

Organised by Altogether Better, volunteers will provide hot drinks, soup, blankets and company to people who have difficulty heating their homes, older people or those with long-term health problems.

The scheme is looking for volunteers to help out in five wards - East Finchley, Burnt Oak, Edgware, Hale and Colindale.

People of all ages are welcome.

Volunteers can telephone people to let them know that a venue is going to open, provide transport, make hot drinks or assist people to walk to the venue.

Councillor Helena Hart, chairman of Barnet Borough Council's health and wellbeing board, said: “When the temperature drops it is very important for older and vulnerable people to keep warm and safe. This is a simple idea which I am sure will prove very popular.”

For more information, and to volunteer, contact Lisa Smith on 07909 998453 for East Finchley, and Nazra Zuhyle on 07909 998463 for Burnt Oak, Colindale, Edgware and Hale.