AN APPEAL to support older people at risk during the winter has raised £60,000 in less than five weeks.

With the recent drop in temperatures, Dorset Community Foundation, the charity behind the Appeal, is urging for more donations.

The Surviving Winter Appeal, an initiative which recycles unwanted winter fuel allowances to help local older people in need who are at risk because of the colder weather, fuel poverty and social isolation has raised just over £60K since re-launching in mid-November.

The Appeal, which is in its seventh year, disperses donations to people over 60 years of age all across Dorset.

Rt Rev Karen Gorham, the Bishop of Sherborne, has been supporting the appeal over the last couple of years.

"Surviving Winter is a great initiative," she said.

"It enables grants towards heating costs be made to the most needy in our community from donations made to the Dorset Community Foundation from those who have no real need for their fuel allowance.

"Whilst some of us enjoy plenty, there are those who experience fuel poverty during the winter months, particularly those in our rural areas where large sums are required to ensure an oil delivery."

Anyone struggling with fuel poverty and in need of help, is advised to ring Citizens Advice Bureau network on 01929 775500 or the Centre for Sustainable Energy on 0300 003 7023.

The Appeal is running until the end of March. To donate, send a cheque made out to Dorset Community Foundation to: Dorset Community Foundation, The Spire, High Street, Poole, BH15 1DF or donate online at www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.