AN appeal has been launched to combat fuel poverty.

Brighton Lions Club are inviting anyone who receives the Winter Fuel Payment and does not need it to donate the amount to the charity.

Now in its third year, the Project Wenceslas appeal helps prevent winter deaths, and last year raised £9,000 for people in fuel poverty.

Richard Lintott, a board member at the charity and Citizens Advice mentor, said: “There’s all these people who can’t afford to switch their heating on.

“If you’re cold, obviously it affects people with breathing problems or arthritis, especially old people, and can lead to accidents if they have a fall.

“If you’ve got a freezing cold house and you’ve got kids, they can’t concentrate on their homework.

“It affects mental health as well as physical – it’s terrible really.”

According to the charity, winter deaths contribute to one in 20 deaths per year, and amount to an average of 30,000 additional deaths in winter.

Recipients of the donations are referred through agencies such as Citizens Advice, Age UK and BHESCo to ensure the money goes to people who really need help with fuel poverty.

Donations can be made online at brightonlions.org.uk.

Cheques should be made paid to Brighton Lions Club and sent to Lions Dene, The Deneway, Brighton, BN1 5AZ.