HOUSEHOLDERS across Hampshire are being urged to start preparing for the winter.

The Get Winter Ready campaign aims to encourage the 25,304 heating oil customers across Hampshire to change their energy habits by ordering a supply of heating oil early.

People are also being urged to get their boiler serviced and check the oil tank in the garden is in good condition before the onset of winter.

UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association and the Oil Firing Technical Association have joined forces for the campaign.

UKIFDA chief executive Guy Pulham said: “It’s better to order early when demand is low. Ordering ahead of the bad weather also ensures no household is caught out, especially in remote and rural areas, where roads can be disrupted.”

OFTEC chief executive Paul Rose said: “It’s simpler and less stressful to fix any issues now rather than wait for the whole system to stop working when you need it most."