Watford Observer staff helped a charity pack bags of blankets and warm clothing for the elderly this winter.

Volunteers for the charity Small Acts of Kindness were joined by staff from the Watford Observer and UK Power Networks as they filled 400 bags, each containing a blanket, gloves, socks, a hat and sachets of tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

The work was part of a challenge by charity founder Lynne Misner to pack 5,000 bags for the elderly this winter.

Observer reporter Alex Alley said: “Packing these bags is an important task.

“The elderly can be some of our most vulnerable during the winter and it is our responsibility to give those that need help get an extra hand.

“I would like to say thanks Lynne for letting us come down and volunteer.”

Ms Misner set up Small Acts of Kindness in 2015 after her heating broke down.

She remembered reading an article about the elderly suffering during the winter and was inspired to establish the charity, which operates out of council contractor Veolia’s Wiggenhall Depot in Watford.

Ms Misner says the charity is more than just keeping people warm, it is about breaking down barriers and giving vulnerable people company.

She said: “For me it’s a wonderful thing that people can come together and help people of all walks of life.

“People should think about how they can work together to bring about change and in particular loneliness.

“It impacts everyone from children at school all the way to the elderly.

“We need to break down those barriers and help people make connections I think we can bring about real change in our societies.”

In 2016 alone there were 31,000 winter deaths among over 65s from cold-related illness such as heart attacks and strokes across the country.