A BURY housing company is ensuring some of the borough's most vulnerable residents stay warm and safe this season by delivering Winter Warmer packs.

400 packs containing food, warm socks and Christmas treats are being distributed to elderly, disabled and other vulnerable social housing tenants by Six Town Housing.

The company, who manage 2000 properties for Bury Council, were joined their contractors, Police Community Support Officers, Greater Manchester Fire Brigade and volunteers, and also spoke to tenants asking if they needed any further support in the coming months.

The fire service will further provide another ‘safe and well’ visit to tenants later in the winter.

Debbie Standring, community development worker at STH, said: "The winter period can be a difficult and lonely time for some of our tenants -who may not be able to get out to the shops due to the weather, feel isolated or struggle to keep warm in their home due to the cost of heating - so we think it is important to be able to make that contact and check they are okay.

"I love delivering the packs; it genuinely feels like it makes a huge difference."

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Bury Council’s cabinet member for finance and housing, added: "While some are enjoying the Christmas period and spending time with their families, others can be struggling to eat, keep warm or face long periods of time alone.

"If you have a friend, family member or neighbour you think might be more at risk this winter, I’d urge you to visit them to make sure that they are safe and comfortable."

Kiera Delaney, chair at Chesham Fold Community Centre, whose volunteers helped pack, store and distribute Winter Warmer bags, said: “Our winter warmer packages are an important part of our community making sure that in our coldest months our most vulnerable tenants don’t have to choose between food or heating. A fantastic gesture from Six Town Housing and it was a pleasure to be involved with it. A lovely day with lovely people all for a great cause.”

This year more than £2,000 in funding and items have been donated by STH's contractors for tenants confidentially recommended for the scheme by the company's partners.