A HARTFORD-based charity is calling on the Government to invest in warm homes and save lives in winter.

Age UK Cheshire is running a campaign for warm homes in the light of tens of thousands of older people dying prematurely every winter and more than a million older people unable to afford to adequately heat their homes.

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans was presented with a knitted scarf to highlight the campaign's Cold Homes Week, from February 3 to 7.

Mr Evans said: “Keeping warm saves lives and Age UK does great work in raising awareness of the need to prepare for cold weather as well as providing care and support to older people.

“Age UK Cheshire is a really active charity in Weaver Vale and that is why I was very pleased to commend it for its great work in supporting older people during Health Oral Questions in Parliament in November last year”

Georgina Alexander-Pulham, from Age UK Cheshire, said: “We are extremely grateful to Graham for coming along and showing support for our campaign for warm homes.

“With so many older people suffering during the winter, it’s more important than ever to protect them from the cold weather and relentless energy price hikes.”

Cold Homes Week was organised by the Energy Bill Revolution alliance2, of which Age UK nationally is a leading member.

For more information about Age UK Cheshire’s services ring 01606 884440 or visit 314 Chester Road, in Hartford.