Rough sleepers are being encouraged to head to Kingsley House today for emergency accommodation over the weekend.

Today is the first day temperatures have dropped to below zero and Medway Council want to get people off the streets.

People should visit Kingsley House, in Balmoral Road, Gillingham before 4.45pm today to get emergency accomodation.

Those who are unable to get there today will still be provided with emergency accommodation this weekend by calling 01634 304400.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol is implemented when temperatures are expected to be freezing for three consecutive days.

Kingsley House is open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5.15pm and Friday between 8.30am and 4.45pm throughout the year and offer specialist support for those who have nowhere to live.

Medway Council have thanked the partners of the Homelessness Forum, which include charities, emergency services and health services, for telling those on the streets about the services available to them.

Meanwhile, in the rest of Kent the severe weather forecast could cause major health risks, experts report.

An earlier level two cold weather alert has been increased to level three for the region by the Met Office.

This triggers actions in the NHS, public health, social care and other community organisations, to support vulnerable people who have health, housing or economic circumstances that increase their risk of harm.

There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather in the region until next Tuesday.

This follows Met Office forecasts of cold temperatures day and night with significant wind chill. Some snow showers are possible.