So winter has well and truly arrived.

Temperatures have taken a real tumble in recent weeks and aren’t expected to rise above 3C, day or night, over the next few days.

With a few complaints about having to de-ice the car, and generally feeling the chill, most of us will reach for an extra jumper and turn the central heating up a couple of degrees.

And as we close the front door for a cosy evening in front of the television, it’s easy to forget others may be struggling with the cold and unable to foot the bills that come with heating their homes.

Prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases, who are particularly susceptible.

The Met Office has issued a cold weather alert which will stay in place until Thursday and more snow is forecast.

It all means tough nights on the streets for those who are homeless during this sub-zero spell.

Local authorities can trigger emergency plans for temporary shelter when the temperature falls below zero for three consecutive nights.

But homeless charities will benefit greatly from donations and and we can all do our bit by keeping an eye out for vulnerable neighbours.