A SERIES of roadshows are being held in North Yorkshire to help people living in rural areas tackle the winter weather.

The “Keep Warm, Keep Well” roadshows have been organised by the charity Rural Action Yorkshire.

They have been designed to help communities develop emergency and winter weather plans that will benefit older, isolated and more vulnerable residents.

They will bring together various local services to look at innovative ways to address the issue of people living in cold homes, or in fuel poverty.

Help to set up a fuel co-op, advice on renewable energy and support on winter resilience plans will all be available.

Chief officer Leah Swain said “The new roadshows come at a time when loneliness and isolation are key concerns for healthcare providers and policymakers, especially in the context of an ageing population.

“Many communities in rural areas are already working hard to help their neighbours in cold weather by gritting roads and paths, but sometimes the needs of older and vulnerable people are missed.”

The events will be held at Northallerton town hall on March 4; the Quaker Meeting House in Kirkbymoorside on March 11; Riley Smith Hall in Tadcaster on March 17; Darley Memorial Hall on March 18; and the Chain Lane Community Centre in Knaresborough on March 24.