POLICE community support officers in the Valley are helping people combat the cold this winter.

Ramsbottom officers have now been trained to identify signs of fuel poverty in the homes of vulnerable people and offer practical advice.

PC Carrie Robertson said: “Rising fuel costs this winter mean that many vulnerable people on a limited income may have to make difficult choices about how often to switch on their heating at the time of year when they need it most.”

Once a problem is identified, community support officerss will then be able to refer the resident for specialist support and funding which could see them receive grants.

Fuel poverty exists when a household needs to spend more than 10 per cent of its income on fuel to stay warm.