A CAMPAIGN to help people across Teesside stay safe and warm in their homes during the cold winter months is being launched.

Latest figures show that in 2011 to 2012 over 31,000 people in the UK died because they couldn’t keep warm in their own homes, up 29 per cent on the year before.

The elderly, disabled and those with long-term illness are most at risk and Cleveland Fire Brigade estimate 26,000 Teesside households are in fuel poverty.

The Brigade lead the Safe and Warm campaign every year but work with councils, the NHS and social services to to raise awareness of the issue. Last year campaign helped 620 people and included lending 397 electric heaters and 61 thermal blankets.

One of those helped was 94-year-old Irene Green of Stockton, who was facing a ten-day wait for a replacement after her boiler broke down last November.

She said: “I wrapped myself in a coat and blanket but it was still terribly cold. I wondered how on earth I was going to cope, in my 90s and with breathing difficulties.

“Then I remembered the Stay Safe and Warm leaflet which the Fire Brigade had put through my door. I gave them a call and they lent me two big room heaters which were marvellous and kept my rooms lovely and warm until the boiler was replaced.

“I owe a great debt of gratitude to the Fire Brigade for the help they gave me, and they can do it for you too if you need it just give them a call.”

The Stay Safe and Warm team can be contacted on 01429-874063. For more information visit www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/warm