Veteran Snow Champions willing to go the extra mile this winter can collect a free 10kg sack of salt to help out if it snows.

Snow Champions can pick up a sack of salt from Taylors Lane depot in Oldbury between 9am and 3pm next Saturday and Sunday (December 6 & 7).

You must be registered as a Snow Champion and you must bring proof of address (such as a utility bill or driving licence).

There are 500 sacks of salt available to collect on a first come, first served basis - only one per Snow Champion. If the bags are gone, Snow Champions will be given the usual two shakers.

The free sack of salt isn't available to new Snow Champions. The 500 new Snow Champions who registered earlier this month will get a delivery of a snow shovel, salt shakers and a high-vis vest over the next few weeks.

Existing Snow Champions who can't collect a sack of salt will get two 3kg salt shakers delivered to their door before Christmas.

Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: “Some forecasters say we're going to have a bad winter, so I think it's really important that we're all prepared to do what we can to help one another.

“What I want to do this year is provide people who are able to clear larger areas where they live with a bigger sack of salt.

They’ll need to collect these from our Taylors Lane depot in Oldbury between 9am and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday December 6 and 7.

"Please only come along to collect some salt if you're already a Snow Champion who registered in the previous three years.

“I’m really proud of how people have all pulled together in previous years to help one another when it snows.

Our Snow Champions have cleared paths and driveways for elderly and vulnerable people and helped clear pavements and routes to school.

“It all helps to keep Sandwell moving, and if it saves just one person a nasty fall, then it’s worth it.”

There are 7,500 people registered as Snow Champions who use snow shovels and salt provided free by the council to help out in bad weather.

Snow Champions clear snow from pavements in their communities, as well as clearing paths and driveways for elderly or vulnerable people who might slip on snow or ice.