Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), which is based near Shepton Mallet, has launched this year's Surviving Winter campaign and it has been backed by the founder of the Glastonbury Festival, Michael Eavis.

The appeal encourages people who can afford it to donate some or all of their Winter Fuel Payment to help local people who are unable to afford to heat their homes.

As we head into winter, many of us face an expensive - but essential - bill for heating our homes, while hundreds of our older neighbours here in Somerset are forced to choose between heating and eating.

The coronavirus outbreak means that, for many older and vulnerable people, this winter will be even more difficult and worrying.

Many will need to stay at home to keep themselves safe, and will find themselves cut off from family and friends, facing higher costs to heat their homes.

Ten per cent of households in Somerset live in fuel poverty. Thanks to the bright idea of one generous pensioner, hundreds of older people in Somerset are being supported to stay warm, safe and well every winter through Somerset Community Foundation's Surviving Winter campaign.

Every year Surviving Winter helps around 500 elderly people living in Somerset through the cold winter months, thanks to generous local donors who, last year, donated £135,000 to the appeal.

SCF is delighted that Glastonbury Festival organiser and long-time Surviving Winter supporter Michael Eavis has endorsed the campaign for another year.

He said: "I know many people will have had a tough year, and we face some challenging months ahead, so it's very good to know there are people like Somerset Community Foundation who locate the needs of people and can award Surviving Winter grants to fulfil these needs."

If you would like to donate to Surviving Winter, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/winter or call 01749 344949.