CHARITIES have teamed up with councils, companies and the emergency services to help March’s most vulnerable residents get ready for winter.

The Red Cross is working with Fenland District Council, Age UK, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue and gritting salt company Ezi-melt in ‘Operation Get Ready for Winter’.

Teams of volunteers will visit 500 homes throughout the North March ward, passing on tips for coping with the wintry weather and handing out supplies to those who need them.

Sarah Hall, from Red Cross, said: “At the Red Cross in the UK we’re here to help people cope with crisis when it hits, but we also work with communities to help them be prepared for all sorts of emergencies.

“It’s great to be working with other local organisations as winter approaches to make sure people in Fenland are in a position to cope if they face very cold weather, flooding or can’t easily leave their homes.

“We will have supplies such as blankets, hats, gloves, socks, hot water bottles and thermos flasks to distribute if they are needed, and thanks to Ezi-Melt we can also hand out useful packs of biodegradable gritting salt so that people can clear their paths and driveways of frost or snow.

“We’ll be speaking to people about the preparations they have made and letting them know about the organisations they can contact if they need further support. It should provide more vulnerable people with an easy opportunity to get a helping hand.”

The volunteers began visiting homes last week and will continue until the end of the month.

For tips on getting ready for winter visit: www.redcross.org.uk/readyforwinter