A WEST Kilbride hotel manager is hoping more people in need will take up the free help they are offering.

The Seamill House Hotel in West Kilbride has recently launched its own 'warm hub' initiative - aimed to help those struggling through the winter.

And hotel manager Dan Rant says he is all to aware that for many it has become a case of "heat or eat" - and that is why they are looking to help out.

The boutique hotel has begun offering their facilities to those who need it at abolutely no cost - simply looking to provide a space where people can keep warm and shelter from the cold.

Dan said: "Basically it's a space where anyone at all can use our facilities, get free hot drinks and stay warm for a few hours.

"I know that the church [in West Kilbride] have something similar, but it's Tuesday to Friday I think - we're available 9am till 5pm every day.

"We'll have games, WiFi and TV available, but people can bring a book etc as well."

Dan said they are simply hoping to look out for those who are in need, with no ulterior motive.

"Knowing how the energy crisis has affected me personally, as well as family members and the hotel, I wanted to alleviate some of that pressure of the feeling of 'heat or eat'," he continued.

"There wasn't an ulterior motive, we just wanted to offer a helping hand to a community that has been so welcoming and supportive of us.

"I can only hope that people want to take us up on the offer of help and keep their costs down."

The warm hub began last month, but there's been little uptake so far.

Dan fears, however, that this isn't due to lack of need, but rather due to people being fearful of asking for help.

He commented: "It's not been taken up by many thus far. 

"I believe that it's because people are proud, and see that asking for help, or even accepting help, is a sign of weakness. It's not. 

"We're judgement free and just want to help."

The Seamill House Hotel is located on West Kilbride's Ardrossan Road - at the site of the former Merrick Hotel.

For further information, you can visit the 'Seamill House Hotel' page on Facebook, or you can call the hotel reception on 01294 823000.