AS Britain faces it worst winter weather for a decade staff at a leading Worcester employer have been getting to grips with the chill factor.

Workers at npower turned up in their best winter woollies as bosses switched off the heating for day.

However, this was no cost-cutting exercise but a training programme for staff to experience what it's like for the more vulnerable among us.

The energy supplier said the purpose of the day was to educate staff about the dangers and effects of cold so they would find it easier to recognise and understand customers who are at risk of, or suffering from, fuel poverty.

People are classed as fuel poor if they spend more than 10 per cent of their household income on heat and electricity.

David Threlfall, chief executive of npower retail, said: "We want customers, especially those most in need of our help and support, to find it easy to deal with us.

"We're keen for our staff to experience exactly what a cold home feels like."

The day was all part of the company's Spreading Warmth campaign, which has been developed to identify and help customers in need.