VALE pensioners are being urged to keep warm and safe now the nights are drawing in.

Forecasters are predicting the worst winter since the great freeze of 1962-63 when thousands of pensioners froze to death.

Members of Age Concern are busy visiting elderly people armed with practical help and information, but one of the main problems, is convincing them to turn up the heat.

Services support and development manager Lin Hunt said: "People are still afraid to turn the heat up when it gets really cold because they say they can't afford to pay the bills.

We advise them to contact the energy companies and claim the benefits they are entitled to. Local councils can help too with insulation bills. We want them to seek help rather than sit and freeze."

She said Age Concern booklets, Keep Warm - Keep Well are being distributed to pensioners throughout the Vale.

They advise people to keep a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius (about 70 Fahrenheit) in most rooms in the house - but at least in the living room and to keep the bed warm with a hot water bottle or an electric blanket - which has been tested.

Several thin layers of clothing are more effective than a single, thick layer so stock up on t-shirts and cardigans to wear under coats.

Another aspect of keeping warm is to use draught excluders and keep the windows shut. And rather than worrying about catching avian flu most people should make sure they are vaccinated against the common type.

One simple injection can keep at bay a disease which claims an estimated 4,000 elderly victims in even the mildest of winters.

Good hot food is another, enjoyable, way of keeping the cold at bay.

Homeowners in general should be on their guard at this time of year, with the inclement conditions proving damaging to property.

A simple home winter health check can prevent a lot of disruption and some hefty repair bills.

Although it is good practise to clean the gutters at least once a year - ideally after the autumn leaves have fallen - homeowners should be careful when placing ladders against plastic gutters or pipework which may not support the weight.

Chimneys should be cleaned annually to prevent chimney fires and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

And external paintwork should be protected with wood needing a repainting two years after the first coat and every four or five years thereafter.

Winter is also a time of increased risks for drivers as shown by the traditional rise in the number of insurance claims at the start of the season.

This is a trend that has worsened in recent years according to insurers, as drivers fall victim to complacency.

There are a number of simple safety tips which can ensure drivers are less likely to suffer a Christmas they will want to forget.

l Beware of ice because the first frosts of the season can catch you by surprise.

l Drive more slowly and smoothly in rain and windy conditions, especially on country roads which are not necessarily safer just because they are quieter.

l Check cars regularly ensuring the lights work and the tyre pressures and tread levels are safe and make sure windscreen wipers are working properly.

l Drivers need to familiarise themselves with any accident black spots near their homes because the majority of accidents occur nearby.

Paying attention to these simple precautions could mean you avoid spending Christmas day filling in a claim form, or worse.

For further information from Age Concern, call 01386 555744.

For information on grants for insulation and pipe lagging, call Wychavon District Council's Energy Saving Advice Line on 0800 512012.