What is thought to be Kent's first official 'warm bank' will be opened in a children's centre next month.

The service will be created at the Millmead Sure Start Centre in Margate where families will be able to go to keep warm and socialise as well as use computers and play games.

The idea of warm banks is being promoted to help families and individuals who will not be able to afford to heat their homes due to rocketing energy bills.

Now, county councillor Barry Lewis (Lab), who represents Margate, has stepped up to offer a donation from his member's allowance for a room to be set aside as a comfortable space with facilities, especially for pre-school children and their parents.

He has been working with the team at the centre and believes it could be the first warm bank of its kind in the county.

He says the centre will put in sofas, curtains and other items to make the room comfortable and homely.

He said: "It is specifically for pre-school children as they are the most vulnerable to suffer from lack of heat as other children will be in classrooms.

"I urge other councillors to do the same thing because we have a national emergency.

"The thought of adults suffering from cold is terrible but nothing compared with infants struggling with lack of heat."

"Perhaps our MPs can help - they have plenty of money...."

Cllr Lewis, who was previously involved in helping to set up a cut price food shop in Margate, says he hopes others will follow his lead.

"If I can do it, anyone can," he said. "Perhaps our MPs can help - they have plenty of money - and the churches."

The county council is preparing a list of places where people can go to keep warm, as well as socialise, play games, chat, use computers and enjoy activities, with possible venues including churches and libraries.

The authority is due to present a full report on the cost of living crisis to full council this month.