THE town’s health chiefs are backing a national campaign calling for people to have a sense of ‘good old-fashioned neighbourliness’ to ease the chill of loneliness over the festive period by checking an elderly friend is eating well, safe and warm.

Each winter, thousands of people in England die as a result of cold weather.

The NHS hope this year 100,000 people across England will sign up to become a ‘Winter Friend’ and promise they will take time out this winter to look in on an elderly friend or neighbour to make sure they are warm and coping well.

Dr Andy Davies, chairman of Warrington CCG, said: “In England, more than half of people aged over 75 live alone and a staggering five million older people say that the television is their only form of company.

“Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are also harmful to our health and that a lack of social interaction is as likely to cause death as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“I would like to personally encourage everyone who lives in Warrington to be a good neighbour or friend this winter and take a little time to check on those who live next to you.

"You could be saving someone’s life by doing so.”

Visit nhs.uk/WinterFriends.