HEALTH chiefs have warned families to make sure elderly friends and relatives are prepared for cold weather this week.

Temperatures on Friday and Saturday are set to fall to 0°C, according to the Met Office, although it will feel as cold as -5°C at points.

Dr Will Welfare, consultant in health protection at Public Health England North West said: "This cold is likely to arrive late on Thursday and into Friday. Before then it's really important to think about what you can do to prepare and protect more vulnerable friends and family from the ill-effects of the cold.

"It is best to wear lots of thin layers, have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm and check weather forecasts before heading out. Also, wear shoes with a good, slip-resistant grip to prevent any accidental falls.

"When indoors stay warm, heat homes to at least 18°C and keep up to date with the weather forecast - all of this is particularly important if anyone in the home is very young, 65 or over, or has a long term heart or lung condition as they can feel the ill-effects of cold more than the rest of us."