An Oldham couple honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year are launching a new project to keep residents warm this winter.

Janet Heap and husband Bill Heap, both aged 72 from Oldham, have been awarded MBEs in recognition of their more than 50 years of voluntary service to help improve the lives of disadvantaged people, from as far away as India and Romania – as well as those in the borough.

The couple are now embarking on a new project that seeks to encourage churches and community groups across Oldham to open their buildings for an hour or two, one or more days a week, to provide a warm place for residents struggling to heat their homes amid soaring energy bills.

The Keep Warm Project will launch at the Dovetales Christian Centre in Shaw next month with the church opening on Wednesday and Thursday mornings between 10.30 am to 12pm to serve tea and toast. The scheme is set to run from October through to March.

Janet said: “We would love it if we could encourage others to open up and do something similar. That way each day could be covered so that those who need to keep warm can find a safe and warm space within our town.

“We know folks in their golden years may find it difficult to heat their homes all day. If churches and community groups could open their buildings and provide a warm and welcoming place to meet for a cuppa and snack enabling people to keep warm, hydrated, and meet new friends, imagine what a difference we could make to our community this winter.”

The couple is also responsible for setting up the 60s Club which runs at Dovetales Christian Centre in Shaw.

The club, which celebrated its eighth birthday in June, offers opportunities for older people and helps tackle isolation and loneliness.

Janet and Bill are set to collect their MBE’s at Buckingham Palace on December 15.