Anyone sleeping rough in the district of Folkestone and Hythe are entitled to emergency accommodation tonight as part of an extreme weather protocol.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has confirmed it will implement SWEP this evening, which stands for the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol.

It's the first time the system has been brought into effect this winter season, to ensure vulnerable people are kept safe in freezing temperatures.

The procedure is triggered when night time temperatures are predicted to be zero degrees celsius or below.

It is applicable to any person sleeping rough in the district when in it is place to minimise risks to individuals.

It is also designed to provide an opportunity to engage with hard-to-reach groups and signpost them to appropriate support services.

A free of charge kennelling service is also offered to SWEP individuals for their dogs, but they will not be able to visit their pet during the time it is in the kennels and they will be returned to them when SWEP is ended.

FHDC announced back in November that it was changing the way it provides emergency housing to rough sleepers this winter.

It explained that SWEP would now be implemented when temperatures drop below freezing for a single night, or if there are extenuating factors such as severe wind-chill, snow or rain.

In the past, the council had followed government advice to activate the system if extreme weather was predicted on three consecutive nights.

A cold snap earlier this month sparked action for rough sleepers in Medway, while Thanet also has SWEP in place tonight.

People requiring emergency accommodation under SWEP are being advised to attend the Civic Centre on Castle Hill Avenue as soon as possible today, or call 01303 221888 after 5pm.

The council says it has notified partner agencies and will review the weather forecast again tomorrow morning.

Anyone concerned about someone sleeping rough should call 0800 567 7699 so they can be offered support.