There have been a number of areas in England which have had qualifying cold spells, including Bingley, Sheffield, Norwich, Nottingham, Bedford and High Wycombe.

BBC: Cold weather triggers cash help

Mrs Towner said the couple were inspired by last week's High Court ruling, which followed a case taken by 72-year-old Yvonne Watts from Bedford, after she was forced to pay for a hip operation in France.

BBC: NHS waits for hip operations can be up to a year