A WESTBOURNE community group is keeping out the cold for residents this winter.

The town’s Neighbourhood Watch Group is distributing 40 boxes of supplies to help those who might not be able to go out during the cold weather.

The boxes have been backed by an £800 donation from the Dorset Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter Appeal.

Co-ordinator Anne Robertson said: “We received a grant which has made this possible.

“The boxes are designed for people who need a bit of help this winter, particularly those who might be on their own. They’re packed with lots of things that might be helpful if someone had to stay indoors.”

As well as enough tinned food to last for two days, the boxes include thermal gloves and socks, a scarf, pens, paper, puzzles, a thermometer and a vitamin drink.

Anne said: “I’d like to thank Dunelm Mill, who gave us half-price on fleeces.

“There are all sorts of things in the boxes that might help residents get through a cold winter – we’ve tried to think of things you might need if you couldn’t go out for a little while because of the weather, like long-life milk.”

Westbourne police officers are distributing leaflets to make sure those most in need will be able to get hold of a box.

Locals John Hansford, 91, and Avril Poole, are two of the first to take one of the winter survival kits.

Avril said: “I think it’s a wonderful idea.

“If it snows, I can’t go out, so I think it’s very good. I think the best thing about the box is the arm bands that you can see in the dark. That seems like a good idea because it gets dark at 4pm now.”

John said he has had to clear his driveway following heavy snow in previous years.

“I think the boxes look useful,” he said.

“They seem to be full of quite sensible things for when it gets very cold.”

For information on the boxes, call Westbourne Safer Neighbour hood Team on 07717201135.