Warm-hearted souls have been asked to help out their neighbours this winter to keep warm when the wild and windy weather draws in and temperatures plummet.

The call has come from Huddersfield’s One Community Foundation, which wants those who do not depend upon their Winter Fuel Payments to donate them to those who are forced to choose between ‘heating and eating’.

Concerned about the continued threat to the lives of elderly people who struggle to heat their homes, it comes following the foundation’s work with Age UK over the last two years.

The call came as the town was hit by one of the first frosts of the winter.

One Community spokesman, Paul Johnson, said: “Last winter in Kirklees was not extremely cold in the light of recent years, but still many old folks had to choose between heating and eating.

“It all points to a fuel poverty crisis which will, once again, leave far too many struggling to live well.”

The group has launched a surviving winter appeal, which it hopes will gain donations from as many people who feel able to pass on their payment as possible.

Paul, who group supports dozens of good causes in the area, said: “The surviving winter appeal comes at a time when people are receiving their Winter Fuel Payments – which many feel they don’t need, and the foundation is asking people to consider donating their payments along with anyone who is concerned about the plight of people struggling to heat their homes, so that it can then distribute them to individuals across Kirklees facing difficulties this winter.”

In previous years the appeal has helped out homes, old people’s services, social and luncheon clubs around the area.

Paul, said: “We would also like to thank the chairman of Huddersfield Giants Ken Day for again supporting our appeal this year. Thanks to his generosity we hope to reach many more people and encourage them to make donations.”

To make a donation, go to www.one-community.org.uk , or send a cheque, made payable to ‘One Community’, to: Winter Fuel Campaign, One Community, c/o Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, 13 Railway Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1JS.

For more information, call 01484 468397.