THAMES water is stepping up measures to protect customers ahead of the cold and snowy weather in the next few days.

Leaks and burst pipes are at risk when temperatures plummet so the water company has announced more water will be stored in its reservoirs to ensure there is enough in peoples homes.

More teams are also on hand to fix pipes in comparison to last year as Beast from the East put strains on the company.

Additionally, the company's drivers have also been trained to get to repairs safely in the worst conditions and snow ploughs are stationed at key operational sites.

Danny Leamon at Thames Water said: "The freezing temperatures and rapid thaw during the Beast from the East showed how these extreme conditions can impact our network.

"We have learnt a lot of lessons from this and taken action to prepare ourselves should we see similar temperatures again."

Customers are being asked to service their boilers, bleed the radiators, check loft insulation and ensure pipes have been lagged.

There is a call to look after elderly neighbours and relatives to check they are also prepared ahead of the harsh weather.

Danny added: "We would also ask our customers to do what they can to make sure they're ready, including protecting their properties and ensuring friends, family and neighbours are also prepared."

The Thames Water Priority Service Register is a scheme to help people who struggle to collect bottled water.

This ensures bottled water is delivered to their homes so elderly residents do not need to go out in the cold weather in the event of service disruption.