MORE than £65,000 has been raised to help elderly Dorset residents who are in fuel poverty stay warm this winter.

The Dorset Community Foundation (DCF) charity is urging older people in need to make use of 'The Surviving Winter Appeal' they are helping to run this year.

Charity workers want elderly people to contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau or get in touch with the Centre for Sustainable Energy to receive a one-off grant up to £200.

The Surviving Winter Appeal, a national effort, is run by foundations across each county. It started in 2011 as a way to recycle winter fuel payments that people had received from the government, but felt they didn't need.

To date, some £4.7 million has been raised nationally, helping 65,000 people.

DCF chief executive Jon Yates said: "With the recent drop in temperatures and as many older people in fuel poverty might be struggling with their bills post-Christmas this one-off support offers an essential lifeline.

"Many local older people are at risk and even die because of the combined effects of fuel poverty and social isolation.

"This year because of the phenomenal support we have received from local residents and their unwanted winter fuel allowances we are lowering the age range to cover local residents over 50 who meet the winter fuel poverty criteria, have significant health conditions, are on the highest level of benefits and have little current chance of improving life circumstances.

The grants are being dispersed via Citizens Advice across Dorset.

They can be contacted on 01929 775500 or residents in need can also contact The Centre for Sustainable Energy on 0300 003 7023.

Since November, last year, the two organisations have paid 120 grants.

Visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org donate to the appeal, or to find out more about the wider work of the Dorset Community Foundation.