VOLUNTARY organisations have teamed up to help elderly and vulnerable residents during snowy weather this winter.

Evolution Darlington is coordinating a Darlington Snow Patrol which will see teams of volunteers dig residents out of their homes in extreme weather.

The project was first considered in the New Year following heavy snow in December and during the previous winter, but it was not needed.

However, a number of groups, including Age UK Darlington, Tees Valley YMCA, First Stop, Growing Older Living in Darlington, Nordic Pioneer, WRVS and Darlington Town Mission, have again joined forces to help out.

The services include snow removal from paths and walkways and emergency food hampers for those most at need. Evolution will also hand out information on how to keep safe, staying healthy and warm this winter via leaflets and the Snow Patrol web page.

The Snow Patrol group is also encouraging people to be good neighbours by helping out older and vulnerable neighbours.

Organisers said it was unlikely that doing so could result in litigation if anyone slipped - contrary to popular belief.

Karen Grundy, executive director of Evolution, said: "Dealing with the bad weather during the winter period can be hard for all of us, but for those who are vulnerable, isolated, older or infirm, the hardship and danger is significantly increased and can at times be fatal.

"By bringing together the Snow Patrol group we hope to make people more aware of the dangers, encourage them to be a good neighbour and help make a difference this winter to those most at risk.

"We are asking for volunteers to clear snow in their local area. To ensure we can act quickly, a dedicated phone line has been assigned to the Snow Patrol."

To alert the teams to areas that need snow clearing contact 01325-734999.

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact Mark Wilkes on 01325-266888 or mark.wilkes@evolutiondarlington.com.

For further details, help or advice see evolutiondarlington.com/pages/snow-patrol.