Older people in Cumbria who receive a winter fuel payment from the Government but don't need it themselves are being urged to donate it to help those in need.

The Cumbria Community Foundation has launched its 2018 Winter Warmth Appeal to help poorer, older people to heat t their homes. More than 1,000 people are helped every year.

Susie Bagot, Cumbria's Deputy Lieutenant, said: “I would encourage anyone who receives the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment, who doesn’t need it to pay their own fuel bills, to donate it to Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal.

“Many may think that having paid their taxes they are entitled to retain the payment. We could, however, regard this bonus payment from the Government as an opportunity to make a targeted generous gift to those in our county who need an additional helping hand at a difficult time of the year.

"I can’t bear the thought of anyone being cold in the winter, especially the elderly or those with young children, and it is not difficult to imagine how hard it must be to have to choose between heating, eating or paying the rent."

"We have a personal choice but how much better to have the satisfaction of knowing that it is going to those who really need it so urgently within our county."

Foundation chief executive Andy Beeforth said: "The appeal only exists because better-off donors want to use their Winter Fuel Payment to help others, and we provide a simple but effective way for them to make a difference.

"The financial burden can reduce some older people to living in one room, going to bed during the day, or making the choice between heating and eating. We appeal to anyone who feels they could support us for this very urgent need to act now so that we can be ready for the cold months ahead.”

The Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300, depending on age and circumstances, is made to anyone born on or before 5 November 1953.

The appeal, now in its ninth year, has raised more than £750,000 for those in need. It works in partnership with Age UK.

There are several ways to donate to the Winter Warmth Appeal - online at mydonate.bt.com/events/winter-warmth-2018 , send a cheque payable to Cumbria Community Foundation and write ‘Winter Warmth Fund’ on the back. Cheques must be sent to Cumbria Community Foundation, Dovenby Hall, Dovenby, Cockermouth, CA13 0PN. Tax payers can also send a Gift Aid Declaration, and donate over the phone using a credit or debit card. Call 01900 825760 during office hours.