A SCHEME to keep elderly and vulnerable people safe in winter is seeking volunteers.

The Snow Angels was launched last year in Chester-le-Street by the police and social landlord Cestria Community Housing.

The aim is to ensure the elderly and vulnerable stay safe during heavy snowfall, with staff from both organisations and volunteers clearing paths of snow and delivering essential provisions.

The housing association is supplying extra salt bins in the town and surrounding villages and marking all bins with Snow Angel stickers to attract more volunteers.

The association’s customer relationship manager, Lisa Coverdale, said: “Many of our tenants are elderly and vulnerable and our aim is to ensure they stay safe should we experience heavy snowfall, like we saw two years ago.

“We also know that our tenants, along with members of the local community, are very community spirited and are always willing to help their neighbours where they can.”

Volunteers need warm clothing and a shovel and must be willing to be contacted and asked to help clear paths in their area.

They may also be asked to deliver groceries to vulnerable households. Batley’s Cash and Carry has offered to provide provisions for distribution in the Chester-le-Street and Pelton areas in an emergency.

Inspector Amanda Catherine, of the Chester-le-Street Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We will do our best to help as many people as possible based on individual needs, the amount of requests and number of available volunteers.

“By becoming a Snow Angel volunteer you will know you are making a real difference to someone’s life at a difficult time.”

To volunteer call the Chester-le-Street Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 or e-mail adrian.richards@durham.pnn.police.uk or christine.taylor@durham.pnn.police.uk