WITH the temperature set to drop below freezing tonight, emergency night shelters have been activated across the county.

Caring for Communities and People, the firm responsible for homeless outreach, alerted local councils yesterday that the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol was in place for the first time since last winter.

The night shelter at The Salvation Army, The Trinity, in Worcester, will be open to rough sleepers from 9.30pm today to 8.30am on Saturday.

Similarly The Salvation Army in Newtown Road, Malvern, will also be open from the same time, as will All Saints Parish Church in Market Place, Evesham.

CCP has asked if any rough sleepers are spotted outside during the cold weather, to report them to Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or via streetlink.org.uk.

This will alert the relevant outreach teams within Worcestershire to attend the location and offer appropriate support to the person.