Warm spaces – public venues where people can keep warm for free – will return to Lancashire libraries for the third year running as the cost of living crisis continues.

This winter, libraries across Lancashire will open their doors to people looking to get a hot drink, meet new people and stay warm.

For the past two years, everybody has been welcomed into the judgement-free warm spaces, with staff at some libraries serving up to 85 hot drinks every day last year.

With the changes to winter fuel payments, plus energy prices remaining high, there could be increased demand for warm places people can visit once winter hits.

Helen Boone, Fleetwood library officer, said: “It's really rewarding to be part of the warm and welcome offer again as it makes such a big difference to people.

"It brings people together, so it's reducing social isolation for a lot of residents.

"As the weather started to change last year, we saw some people sitting with a drink from 10am until we closed on a late night at 7pm. They come in to save putting the heating on at home."

People can have a hot drink, borrow books, use free computers and Wi-Fi, join in with events and activities and find out about support that's available in their local area.

Everyone from families, retired residents, people experiencing homelessness and those working remotely have used the warm spaces over the past two years.

The spaces reduce social isolation as well as helping people stay warm throughout the cost-of-living crisis.

Anne and Janet met at a group at Fleetwood library and have since become friends, often sharing a hot drink together.

Anne said: "We get to chat, so we've got to know each other. Sometimes we go out for a meal together if it's somebody's birthday or at Christmas and it's really nice.

"We're all from different backgrounds and we care about each other, so if somebody is missing at the group then we call them and see how they are."

Janet said: "I'm naturally very shy and I don’t like going anywhere on my own, but I came to the craft group one day, and I've never left."

Other warm spaces in East Lancashire include The Bacup Consortium Trust, Rossendale Methodist Circuit at Crawshawbooth, Brierfield Methodist Church Foodbank, and Read and Simonstone Village Hall.

Lancashire County Council is running a grant scheme to allow town and parish councils and local organisations to apply for up to £500 to create warm spaces.

The first round of the Lancashire warm spaces grant scheme is open now and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday November 3.

Spaces can apply for grants at Lancashire County Council's website.