THE Vale Royal Lions and Citizens Advice Northwich are aiming to keep those in need warm with this year's Winter Fuel Bank Campaign.

The campaign asks those who receive but do not need the winter fuel allowance to donate some or all of it to those who do.

Vale Royal Lions secretary Rob Jones said: "Vale Royal Lions’ mission is to serve the community and, over 40 years, this has taken many forms.

"Whilst organisations that benefit from this service, such as charities, are usually recognised by name, often when individuals are concerned, they are generally unknown except for a few family and friends. Yet in many cases we have found that it is these members of our community who are most in need.

"One such group is those who cannot afford the extra cost of energy needed in their homes during the winter months, both to provide heat and prepare food. We may be surprised at this in today’s society but, talk to Citizens Advice, and they know of many such people.

"So Vale Royal Lions, together with Citizens Advice and Northwich Guardian, are again launching The Winter Fuel Bank Campaign this autumn, aimed at providing financial assistance to those in need, in the form of payments towards their energy bills.

"We are appealing particularly to those senior citizens who receive the Winter Fuel Allowance, to donate some or even all of their Allowance to this campaign, and indeed to everyone else, both individuals and companies, to contribute to this most worthwhile cause."

Any money donated will be ring-fenced by the Lions, at which point Citizens Advice will identify and assess the needs of potential beneficiaries.

The money will then be paid directly into their prepayment meter of account.

Rob added: "This will be the third year that in partnership we have run this much needed campaign.

"Over the past two years we have helped over 100 local people pay off their fuel debt.

"Indeed just £22 – the average payment made – alongside budgeting support from Citizens Advice has been enough to provide heat, light and much needed breathing space to enable people to get back on track."

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

For further details, call 0845 833 8496