LAST winter, 269 people died in Dorset as a result of the cold winter weather.

Today sees the national launch of Surviving Winter, a campaign to encourage people to help those who will be hardest hit by fuel poverty this winter.

Supported by Terry Wogan, David Jason, Michael Eavis and Denise Robertson, the campaign was inspired by people wanting to give away their winter fuel payments to others less fortunate than themselves.

Amid rising fuel bills and the prospect of another cold winter, it has been estimated that around 6.6million households are likely to be in fuel poverty this year.

With each 10 per cent rise in energy prices pushing another 600,000 to 700,000 households into that category, the elderly and vulnerable are most at risk.

Almost half those living in fuel poverty are more than 60 years old and inadequate heating can cause or make worse a range of health problems.

The winter fuel payment of between £100 and £300 is made to all over 60s, including more than 65,000 British people who live elsewhere in Europe and 450,000 higher rate taxpayers.

Now everyone is being encouraged to donate, with the aim of raising £1million across the UK.

The money will be used to support local charities and community organisations that can reach the people most in need of help.

Surviving Winter is being coordinated locally by Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Community Foundation and is backed by the Daily Echo, which will be featuring news of the campaign over the coming weeks.

l Donate online at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org or ring 01202 292255.