Elderly people in Eastbourne are being urged to wrap up warm as the chill winter nights start to bite.

The message comes from Age Concern, based at the William and Patricia Venton Centre in Junction Road, Eastbourne.

Volunteers say cash-strapped pensioners often keep heating systems off during cold weather to avoid spiralling costs.

The charity, which has 153 volunteers in Eastbourne, is looking to bolster its numbers by an extra 20 in time for Christmas.

Volunteers manager Keith Girdler said anyone, of any age, can help, with training provided.

He said: "Becoming a volunteer can help people's social lives. Christmas time can become quite lonely."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for Age Concern in Eastbourne should call 01323 638474.