Freezing weather predicted in the coming days - here is how you can help Rugby's rough sleepers

Freezing forecasts have prompted Rugby council to enact its 'Severe Weather Emergency Protocol', which is intended to help rough sleepers in the borough cope with extreme weather conditions.

The protocol comes into effect when weather forecasts predict the temperature to drop to zero degrees or below for three consecutive nights - and the Met Office predicts such conditions for Rugby for tonight, January 2, and the two nights after that.

It is aimed at ensuring all those sleeping rough in the borough find appropriate shelter so they are not subjected to severe weather.

The new comes after housing charity Shelter reported that Rugby has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the West Midlands.

The Winter Shelter is the first step