RESIDENTS in Torfaen are being encouraged to be "good neighbours" this winter by helping out older residents.

Councillor Lewis Jones, Torfaen's champion for older people, is calling on people to keep an eye on older members of the community during the cold weather, to make sure they are warm, safe and well.

Cllr Jones said: "When there is snow and low temperatures many older people do not go out as much or see people as often, regardless of how active they normally are.

"Be a good neighbour - knock on their door and check they have sufficient shopping and medication, or ask if there is anything you can do to help."

He added that the council's revenue and benefits team, along with the Citizens' Advice Bureau, Age Concern Torfaen and the pension service, are on hand to give advice on keeping warm and managing bills.