ELDERLY people in St. Helens are being warned about the dangers of food poisoning this summer.

Age Concern have taken steps to protect old people, as 5.5 million people in the UK are hit by food poisoning caused by poor refrigerator temperature control.

Keeping your fridge at below 5C will prevent bacteria from multiplying. The Food Standards Agency recommends that the temperature of your fridge be checked regularly with a reliable thermometer, as most domestic fridges have no accurate means of checking the temperature of the food stored within.

Andy Perry of Age Concern St Helens, said: "Keeping your food cool in warmer months seems a simple task but we know that many people simply have their fridges set at the wrong temperature.

"Therefore, we are pleased to be able to offer a free fridge thermometer to all customers who visit their local Age Concern this summer to find out more about our energy package. We also hope by switching that they will see their energy bills reduced too."

To find out more about the Energy Services package call free on 08000 015 6785 or visit Age Concern St Helens at 24/28 Claughton Street St Helens.