An annual scheme to help Cumbria's elderly residents keep warm during the harsh winter months has been launched today.

Cumbria Community Foundation is once again running its Winter Warmth Appeal, which last year helped more than 1,000 older people in the county out of fuel poverty.

The foundation is encouraging people to donate to the fund, as statistics show that as many as 300 elderly people die in Cumbria each winter because of the effects of cold weather.

The appeal was set up in 2010 when a handful of people decided they wanted to donate their winter fuel payments to support others who were less fortunate than themselves. Since then, half a million pounds has been raised.

Anyone born before May 5, 1953 is automatically entitled to the Government payment and it provides a lifeline to many people. However, some people are able to manage without it and decide to put it to good use.

The money is handed out through Age UK groups in Carlisle, Eden and west Cumbria.

Hilda Peace, 65, from Carlisle, benefited from a grant last winter. She said: “I hesitate to put the heating on all the time because of the cost and I know the costs are going to rise again this year, which is a real problem.

"I live on my own and struggle to keep warm. I don’t like to go out much in winter in case I slip and have an accident so I prefer to stay in. I usually go to bed at 7pm to stay warm and avoid putting the heating on.

"I didn’t like to ask for help as I thought there were people worse off than me but someone persuaded me to apply and I’ve had a grant for the last three years now."

Andy Beeforth, chief executive of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “Every winter, in every corner of Cumbria, there are older people who are struggling to keep warm.

“As our aging population increases, it is vital that we are in a position to help. We never want to have to say no to helping an older, vulnerable person in need and that’s why this year’s appeal is challenging the people of Cumbria to join together and beat last year’s record amount raised.

“The people of Cumbria have been consistently brilliant at supporting this important appeal, thank you so much to all that have donated so far.”

To help fuel the fundraising drive the foundation is once again hosting their Big Sleep event on January 28.

People are sponsored to spend a night sleeping under the stars on the shores of Lake Windermere when temperatures have previously plummeted to minus six degrees.

Anyone wanting more information about the appeal should call 01900 825760.