People living alone are being encouraged to write a message in a bottle as part of a £3,000-a-year scheme to ensure they get rapid help in an emer- gency.

Oxford City NHS Primary Care Trust has teamed up with the Lions Club of Oxfordshire to promote the initiative, which leads emergency services to someone's personal details, including any medical conditions they may have, medication they are on and relatives' contact numbers.

More than 32,000 county residents have already joined the Message in a Bottle scheme, which involves leaving their information in a special bottle stored in their fridge.

It celebrates its fourth anniversary on Wednesday. Medical staff are alerted to look for the bottles by special green stickers on the front door and fridge door.

PCT public health manager Sangeeta Richhariya-Leahy said: "We're delighted to support this scheme. Like all the best ideas, it's a simple concept -- but it could make a huge difference. All the emergency services are trained to look for the stickers."

The scheme was pioneered by Oxfordshire Ambulance Service. Spokesman Helen Robinson said: "It's fantastic for helping our crews find out if people have chronic conditions or illnesses, and for finding details about their next of kin. The elderly were our primary concern when we launched it, but we would urge anyone who has a condition where they may fall into a coma or may not be able to communicate easily to take part." Anyone who would like to join the free initiative, funded jointly by the Lions and Help the Aged, can pick up a bottle and more information from their GP practice, a pharmacy or Neighbourhood Watch coordinator.