Bradford-based Yorkshire Water has released some winter tips for people shivering in the cold this year.

They include identifying the pipework inside and outside your home which may be at risk of freezing, for example outdoor taps, pipes linking up to internal water meters or in unheated draughty areas such as lofts and cellars.

People are being urged to use appropriate lagging to insulate their pipework.

Lagging can be bought from most DIY stores but simple household items such as towels can also be used to wrap up pipes and keep frost at bay.

People wanting to lag outdoor pipes need to make sure that the lagging is waterproof or pipes will not be adequately protected.

Locate internal stop taps and make sure they are working by opening and closing them.

Most stop taps are under the kitchen sink although it may be in a garage, cellar or outhouse.