THE Government gives everyone over the age of 60 £200 a year to cope with rising fuel costs, whether they need it or not.

Now, an Essex-based charitable foundation and the Echo are urging people to have a heart and donate their winter fuel allowance if they are financially secure.

Essex Community Foundation wants better-off recipients of the winer fuel allowance to hand over their cash to help cash-strapped pensioners keep warm over the colder months.

Behind the campaign is a serious message.

Figures show that across Essex about 700 people die each year because of the cold temperatures.

Now, with more elderly people than ever before classed as being in fuel poverty, charitable trust the Essex Community Foundation is launching its Surviving Winter Appeal.

Money raised will go to charities and organisations across Essex who give direct help to elderly and vulnerable people.

All residents aged 60 or over get a tax free fuel payment of £200 from the Government – while over 80s get £300 to help them pay their heating bills.

The money goes into their bank accounts, regardless of how well off they are. John Spence, chairman of Essex Community Foundation, said: “The appeal is all about reaching into the heart of the community to make sure local charities and organisations have the money they need to help people who struggle in the winter months.

“If this winter is half as bad as the last one, we are looking at treacherous times for elderly and vulnerable people.

“There are 250,000 people aged 65 and over in our county and they are particularly at risk during the winter, as 90 per cent of deaths at this time of year are in this age group.

“Deaths from hypothermia are rare, but cold weather and poor heating can contribute to deaths caused by circulatory and respiratory diseases.”

Some money will also be filtered down to community transport schemes across Essex, which help combat isolation.

Research shows many pensioners spend weeks on end cooped up indoors when temperatures drop, which means day centres and lunch clubs which offer warmth, companionship and wholesome food, as well as home visiting schemes, are vital.

Mr Spence added: “The money raised will give a much-needed boost to local charities and community organisations which carry out vital work, reaching people most in need during the worst of the winter months.”