AN emergency planning unit run by Hampshire County Council will work around the clock to help those in need tomorrow, if the predicted snow arrives.

The unit works with emergency services, district councils and other partners such as the Environment Agency to coordinate multi-agency efforts to ensure communities can access support.

This could be setting up a rest centre or targeted support for the most vulnerable, and involves calling on more than a hundred 4x4 volunteer drivers, who have been recruited by the police and trained by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service to transport key staff and resources to hospitals, workplaces or delivering meals on wheels.

The county council is also asking people to keep a neighbourly eye on older and vulnerable residents, particularly in rural communities where not everyone has access to mains gas and communications can be affected. Any concerns can be reported by calling 0845 603 5630.

To find out about school closures visit hants.gov.uk/education/schoolclosures.