RESIDENTS in Dorset are being urged to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives during the cold weather to ensure they are keeping warm.

Those living in rural area are more likely to struggle to keep warm during the winter season because their houses tend to be older and less well insulated, making them harder to heat effectively.

More than 30 per cent of people living in these areas are over 65 and are often at greater risk of developing health problems, such as respiratory conditions, which are made worse by cold temperatures.

OFTEC, which represents the oil heating industry, is encouraging people to regularly check on older relatives and friends to ensure they are taking care of themselves over the colder months.

It has shared five top tips on things to look out for which could potentially save a life, as part of a free ‘Keeping warm this winter’ guide.

1) Ensure main rooms are heated to at least 21C with other commonly used rooms kept at least 18C

2) Make sure the heating comes on at the correct time and radiators are turned off in unused rooms

4) If using heating oil, make sure there is plenty of oil in the tank

5) Check the boiler has recently been serviced by an OFTEC (for oil or solid fuel) or GasSafe (for mains gas) registered technician

More information and advice can be found at www.oftec.org