Dorset Council is set to activate its severe weather emergency protocol as a result of forecasted cold and wet conditions.

The local authority has urged people to seek more advice if they see or know anyone sleeping rough during the plummeting temperatures.

The activation of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) comes amid a new yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office today.

The warning will be in place from 10pm tonight (Friday) until 12pm on Saturday, with flooding and disruption expected.

Temperatures are also set to drop to lows of about zero degrees Celsius from early next week.

The SWEP sees the council work with partners to help provide those who are rough sleeping with accommodation. The last protocal was enacted back in December. 

"As a result of the cold weather forecast from this weekend, our SWEP will be activated," Dorset Council announced.

"Information about who to contact if you find anyone rough sleeping is here https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/rough-sleeping

"Know someone under 18 who is sleeping rough, in immediate risk of not having a roof over their heads or needs urgent care? Call 999."