Cold weather has prompted a council to take emergency action to help rough sleepers.

Forecasted freezing temperatures have led Medway Council to implement SWEP - The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol - making emergency accommodation available for rough sleepers tonight.

The council says it is working with partners in the Homelessness Forum to spread the message to as many rough sleepers as possible – who are encouraged to visit Kingsley House, in Balmoral Road, Gillingham today before 5.15pm.

It comes as gritter lorries are expected to return to the county's main routes this evening as a cold snap grips the county.

Temperatures are expected to fall to as low as 0C tonight and -1C tomorrow.

Rough sleepers in Medway who are unable to get to Kingsley House during the day on Thursday will still be provided with emergency accommodation through the council's out of hours homelessness service.

The out of hours service can be contacted during #SWEP on 01634 304400.