North Norfolk libraries and leisure centres have offered themselves as 'warm banks' where people can go to avoid turning on their own central heating during winter. 

Anyone can visit The Reef leisure centre in Sheringham, Victory Swim and Fitness Centre in North Walsham and Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre during their normal opening hours to stay warm, for free. 

Stuart Jardine, contract manager at Everyone Active, which manages the centres, said: “We know this winter could be difficult for many people, so we want everyone to know they have a safe and warm place to visit.

“We have a community feel at our leisure centres and we want to invite people to come down and make the most of the space, not only to stay warm, but to socialise with friends or use as a co-working area.

“It's a free-of-charge offer to just come in and spend time with us, safe and warm.”

And Norfolk County Council is running a 'Keep Warm and Well' programme. 

As part of the programme, Norfolk's libraries have become 'warm banks' where people can spend time without any other obligation.

And until the end of March they will be offering free bags of essential items and hot drinks.

Warm and Well bags contain a scarf, hat, gloves, blanket, socks and a hot water bottle. Adult and child bags are available.

Vests are available on request in a range of adult and child sizes.

Tea, coffee, instant soup and hot chocolate will be available during staffed hours.

There are public libraries in all towns across north Norfolk, as well as Mundesley and Wroxham. 

The Warm and Well programme is also encouraging people to stay healthy by making sure they are up to date with their Covid-19 vaccinations. 

County councillor Bill Borrett, who is chairman of the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Partnership, said: "This winter residents need more than ever to take practical steps to keep themselves and their families warm and well.

"The online portal has lots of helpful advice, including the important step of preparing to prevent illnesses in the first instance."