AN EVENT is being helped to help older people get ready for winter.

The free social event is being organised by Age UK County Durham to help older people prepare for winter.

The County Durham Community Foundation has a surviving winter fund, through which the charity has been given funding to put on the event.

Volunteers and staff from Age UK County Durham will be handing out free information packs and room thermometers while trading standards officers from Durham County Council will also have advice and information.

People are encouraged to bring portable electrical household items such as small heaters, toasters, hairdryers and electric blankets for a free PAT test to make sure they are safe to use.

Harriet Gibbon, chief executive of the charity, said: “Cold winters claim many lives of older people who struggle to keep warm. We are very concerned to make sure that they know who to contact to get help and support when they need it and our Keep Warm Keep Well Information Packs have everything they need this year.

“As we are also concerned this year to encourage older people not to buy from doorstep traders or fall victim to scammers, our pack also includes a booklet full of useful tips to stay safe from crime. We are delighted that County Durham Community Foundation are helping to fund our campaign this year.”

The event is free and takes place on Thursday, November 22 from 10am-12noon at the Age UK County Durham outlet in 68 North Road, Durham.

For more information call 0191-374-6568.