A CHARITY is fighting to raise vital funds for the elderly as the weather turns colder.

The Surviving Winter campaign is run every year by County Durham Community Foundation, with every penny raised supporting projects and care packs for pensioners at risk of fuel poverty.

Barbara Gubbins, the charity's chief executive, said: “It is utterly wrong that so many older people will be cold and alone this Christmas, wondering if they can afford to put the heating on.

“We want to do everything in our power to raise as much as we can to end this injustice.”

Barbara urged anyone who doesn’t rely on the Winter Fuel Payment to consider making a donation, adding: “Many older people who don’t rely on the Winter Fuel Payment have told us they are pleased to use part of it to help those who really struggle when the weather turns colder.

“Every penny we raise can do something good: it might go towards a luncheon club so that people can get a hot meal and some companionship; it could fund one of our cold weather care packs; it could make it possible for us to deliver meals to someone’s doorstep if they’re too frail to venture out in the snow.”

So far, the foundation has raised £55,000 to help older, vulnerable people get through the winter months.

In 2015, 13.3 per cent of North-East households were deemed to be battling fuel poverty, according to government statistics. Spending more than 10 per cent of household income on fuel costs is the marker of a family or individual blighted by fuel poverty.

To make a donation, or to find out more, go to cdcf.org.uk