Two events aimed at keeping elderly and vulnerable people in Norwich warm this winter were held in the city at the weekend.

Generous people took unwanted blankets and hot water bottles to a church to be distributed to those most at need.

And an information and advice stall was set up where people could find out about the help on offer this winter.

Both events were hosted by Norwich North MP Chloe Smith as a follow-up to her successful dedicated winter surgery held in partnership with Broadland District Council.

On Saturday, the MP launched a new stage in her Warm Up for Winter campaign in partnership with Norwich Foodbank and Oak Grove Chapel, as well as other local Norwich churches.

Donation of blankets and hot water bottles were taken to Oak Grove Chapel in Catton Grove Road, to be distributed to the elderly and vulnerable in greatest need in Norwich.

Members of the public who could not attend Saturday's event can still donate blankets and hot water bottles that are in good, clean condition at a variety of locations, with full details to be announced later. Yesterday the MP ran an information and advice stall at the advent fair at St George's, Sprowston Road, where the public was invited to speak to her about their winter concerns.

Miss Smith said: 'It is vital that we reach as many of Norwich's elderly and vulnerable as possible to let them know that there is help out there this winter.

'Times are hard at present, but this is exactly why I am passionate about this campaign to help people make use of what help is available.

'I am also making a plea to the people of Norwich to have a look at home to see if they can spare a blanket or hot water bottle for someone most in need.

'Norwich's generosity of spirit is so often one of the things I am most proud of as a local MP, and I would ask people to give what they can to this important cause.'