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Sandwell volunteers have "snapped up" shovels and salt to help keep paths and pavements clear of snow and ice during winter, according to the council.

It made a total of 2,500 kits available to "snow champions" willing to help in their community.

They are now being delivered to those who have signed up across the borough.

Councillor Darren Cooper, leader of the council, said he was "thrilled" by the response to the campaign which was launched in mid-November.

"I want people to remember that this isn't about replacing a council service by asking people to do it themselves, we want to give people the tools to help one another if they can," he said.

Mr Cooper said people had signed a "pledge" to say that they would participate in the scheme and "uphold its ethos by being a good member of the community."

"One or two people might not use it in the correct manner but that's life and I would call on people to maintain the community spirit that I know we've got and build on it."