AS the nights draw in and temperatures drop, thoughts turn to cosy homes and hearty hot meals.

But in homes across mid Cheshire, the onset of winter makes hearts sink for those residents struggling to find the money for fuel to heat their houses and cook their food.

The Guardian is joining forces with Vale Royal Lions and Cheshire West Citizens Advice to launch The Fuel Bank campaign to make sure those in need have access to such a basic requirement.

Peter Allsopp,welfare chairman for the Vale Royal Lions, said: "Being involved for more than three decades with a caring organisation such as The Lions makes you only too well aware of the difficulties and struggles that some people have to cope with on a daily basis.

"If this campaign, through our association with Citizens Advice, can go some to alleviating fuel problems and support those in need then it will have all been worthwhile.

"Vale Royal Lions urge the senior citizens and residents of Northwich Winsford and Middlewich to get firmly behind us and support this new initiative."

If they can afford to spare it, senior citizens who receive the Winter Fuel Allowance are being urged to donate some or all of it to help those in need.

An appeal is also going out to residents who do not receive the allowance to give to the cause.

Donations to the Fuel Bank will be put in a ring fenced Lions bank account.

Cheshire West Citizens Advice will identify the people in genuine need and, after a thorough assessment by Citizens Advice, individuals or families will be added to the list for help.

Subject to available funding, Vale Royal Lions will release money on an individual case basis.

This will be paid directly into the customer's prepayment meter or account with the relevant utility company.

Liz Dickinson, from Cheshire West Citizens Advice, said: "We have clients who are in receipt of food bank vouchers who are then unable to cook the food provided – this scheme will have a really positive impact on them.

"It will be great to work with another local charity for the benefit of residents in Vale Royal, we believe that with public support this scheme has the potential to make a huge difference.

"Clients who are struggling with their fuel bills or to top up prepayment meters run the risk of having unbearably cold homes and being unable to cook this winter.

"This project will provide much needed emergency help in the short term.

"Long term Cheshire West Citizens Advice will support theses clients with ongoing energy and budgeting help."

To donate to the Fuel Bank send a cheque, made payable to Vale Royal Lions and with 'Fuel Bank' written on the back, to Vale Royal Lions, 10 Blandford Drive, Northwich, CW9 8UD.

For more information ring 0845 8338496.