VOLUNTEERS across the Ribble Valley are set to be trained and given equipment to provide emergency shopping and support to the elderly in the most rural parts of the borough.

The Snow Angels scheme was launched yesterday by the borough council and will see winter kits including snow shovels and shoe grippers being handed out to volunteers.

The Snow Angels, who will also be given high visibility jackets, will be trained to ensure elderly residents are safe and warm in their homes during severe winter weather.

Free rock salt has also been offered to residents over 70 years old in the Ribble Valley along with loans of oil-filled radiators where needed.

The council has received £36,000 from the Public Health Fund for a raft of winter measures, including Snow Angels, such as boiler replacements and repairs, falls prevention and winter packs for patients leaving Clitheroe and Longridge Community Hospitals.

Volunteers are now being sought to join the scheme and help run it in their local area.

Ribble Valley mayor, Coun Richard Sherras, who offically launched the scheme, said: “It’s great that the council are providing for those residents who might be vulnerable during bad winter weather.

“It’s important to look after those who might struggle during severe weather and I hope this scheme does that.”

Ribble Valley Borough Council’s housing strategy officer, Rachael Stott, said: “Winter is a particularly difficult and isolating time for the elderly, but this can be prevented.

“Much colder countries cope far better with the winter due to better insulated homes and greater awareness of the need for the elderly to keep warm.

“Snow Angels has proved successful in other rural boroughs and we are looking for a network of coordinators and volunteers to make the scheme a success.

“We need a team of volunteers, such as young farmers and scouts, willing to help us ensure some of Ribble Valley’s most vulnerable residents stay warm this winter.”