WITH predictions of the coldest winter for 20 years and 10,000 pensioners across Hampshire without central heating, the Daily Echo launches a life-saving campaign Across Hampshire people will be battling to keep warm against chilly temperatures expected to regularly plunge below zero.

The south's top health boss has described the situation as "serious" and "an enormous problem" while one old people's charity called it "appalling".

Cold weather claims about 2,500 lives across the south every winter.

So we have launched Beat The Freeze campaign to keep the county warm.

This winter is expected to be one of the coldest since 1987.

Anyone worried about their winter fuel bill is urged to call the Keep Warm Keep Well helpline on 0800 085 7000 for information and advice about benefits and energy efficiency grants.

Age Concern Hampshire also runs a free helpline on 0800 328 7154. Health bosses have joined the campaign to keep the population healthy.

Are you one of the 10,000 Hampshire pensioners with no central heating or are you worried about elderly friends and relatives?

Contact Cathy Wallace by ringing 023 8042 4501 or e-mailing cathy.wallace@soton-echo.co.uk Or write to...

Beat The Freeze, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton SO16 9JX.

Usefull links Age Concern Hampshire www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk For advice on keeping warm and healthy, heating your home and also help with bills, contact The Winter Warmth Health Line on FREEPHONE 0800 085 7000 or TEXTPHONE 0800 085 7857 www.dh.gov.uk/socialcare