MORE than 5,000 winter survival packs will be distributed to vulnerable residents to help them keep warm as the temperatures drop.

The campaigns comes as the Department of Energy and Climate Change estimates 13,000 homes in St Helens will be in fuel poverty this year.

This is when a household has to spend more than 10per cent of its income on fuel bills to heat the home to an adequate level.

It suggests 16.5per cent of homes suffer fuel poverty – well above the national average of 14.6per cent.

Forecasts have suggested temperatures will drop in the coming weeks, prompting St Helens Council and Age UK Mid Mersey to once again team up to distribute the survival packs across the borough over the next few weeks .

The packs contain a calendar, emergency blanket, thermal mug and LED torch.

The packs are free - and available to all those in need by calling the St Helens Cold Weather Advice Line on Freephone 08000 355 878.

For information or advice on keeping warm and healthy this winter - or to request a Winter Survival Pack - call free on 08000 355 878.

Throughout February residents can also pick up your Winter Survival Pack from local libraries (between 10.30am and 12.30pm) on the following dates: Tuesday, Feb 4 – Parr; Wednesday, Feb 5– Haydock; Thursday, Feb 6 – Peter Street; Friday, Feb 7 – Newton-le-Willows; Tuesday, Feb 11 – Moss Bank; Wednesday, Feb 12 – Thatto Heath; Thursday, Feb 13 – Rainhill; Friday, Feb 14 – Billinge; Tuesday, Feb 18 – Chester Lane; Wednesday, Feb 19 – Central Library; Thursday, Feb 20 – Rainford (and Garswood between 2pm and 4pm); Friday, Feb 21 – Eccleston.