AGE Concern in Swindon has got a free guide for pensioners to keep warm during the freezing temperatures.

The Met Office estimates £1 billion damage is caused to homes by bad weather alone, and much could be avoided by taking preventative measures.

Age Concern has published a free leaflet called Protecting and Maintaining Your Home and this is available by calling 0800 169 2700.

Jacquie Sheppard from Age Concern Swindon said: "As winter hits, it is

possible that some homes may experience weather damage.

"But, a few simple measures, including making sure that you have adequate cover from your insurance policy, can help significantly reduce the risk.

"Should the worst happen, Age Concern policy holders have access to a 24-hour domestic helpline, which will provide details of qualified and authorised repairers."

Any profits from the leaflet go into Age Concern charity work.

Top tips from Age Concern on how to protect your home include keeping the heating on even if you are going away to prevent pipes freezing and bursting, and using a hot cloth or hairdryer to defrost gently a frozen pipe.

The charity also recommends checking all pipes are properly lagged, all electric fires are guarded, and paraffin heaters are out of draughts.