AS experts predict the bad winter weather is setting in for some time and that we could be facing our worst cold spell for 25 years, the Daily Echo is today launching our own Big Chill Heroes campaign.

We know that already many people have been doing their bit to make sure that neighbours are not suffering during the icy spell.

It’s at this time that communities come together to make sure that the vulnerable, the young and the elderly are receiving the help they need to get through the worst the winter weather can throw at us.

Whether it’s clearing the drive for an elderly neighbour, or checking if they need help with the shopping, or just popping round to see if they need a bit of company and to make sure the heating is turned up and the kettle is on, we can all do our bit.

And as well as urging everyone to be a Big Chill Hero we want to hear from you if you want to nominate someone for one of our special awards.

It could be a neighbour, a friend, a family member, someone at your local store, an employee at the garage or even a member of the emergency services. Tell us who your Big Chill Hero is and why you are nominating them and we’ll make sure they get the recognition they deserve with a special award scroll.

And while the cold spell lasts we will be choosing some Big Chill Heroes for a special Editor’s True Grit Award – recognising when someone has really gone that extra mile to beat the weather and help others.

Send your nominations – as well as ideas of how we can all be Big Chill Heroes – to Big Chill Heroes, Newsdesk, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test lane, Redbridge, Soton. SO16 9JX. Or email newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk or phone us on 023 8042 4520.