AN ANNUAL initiative to support older people in fuel poverty across Dorset launched this week - with latest statistics revealing more than 900 vulnerable people died in the county during the winter of 2014/15.

The Surviving Winter Appeal, a scheme led by the Dorset Community Foundation charity, uses donations to deliver winter fuel grants to people aged over 60 who are struggling to make ends meet because of the cold weather.

The initiative, which is in its seventh year, started after it was discovered high numbers of older vulnerable people were dying during the winter months.

The latest figures available from the Office for National Statistics show during the winter of 2014/15, 920 vulnerable people died in Dorset.

Last year the appeal raised nearly £25,000 helping 91 local households.

The initiative supported an elderly man, who wishes to remain anonymous.

The man is a carer for his wife, who has been diagnosed with cancer several times over the last six years. She feels the cold more since her treatments. They are both of State Retirement Pension age and have a limited income.

Receiving a grant last year allowed them to pay the higher energy bills and in turn reduced the financial stress they felt; the worry about the expected energy bill was exacerbating her health issues.

Jon Yates, Dorset Community Foundation chief executive, said: "It is shocking that here in Dorset, hundreds of local older people die during the winter months, as they cannot afford to heat their homes.

"Our latest available information shows that almost three times the numbers are dying in Dorset due to the cold compared to our neighbours in Wiltshire.

"This fact is simply shocking, and it is why we need your help once again.’

Donations to the appeal can be made through cheques made out to ‘Dorset Community Foundation’ can be sent to DCF, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF or by donating online at www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.

Online donations made between midday on 28th November and midday on 5th December will be doubled.

Grants from the scheme of up to £200 are available through Citizens Advices Bureaus across Dorset.