Devon residents asked to donate their Winter Fuel Payment

The government's winter fuel payment allowance can be worth up to £600

People in Devon who do not need their government Winter Fuel Payment are being asked to consider donating it.

It is part of an appeal launched by Devon Community Foundation (DCF) called Surviving Winter.

The money raised, through charitable payments to the foundation, will help support households struggling to pay for food, energy and other essentials.

The government funded allowance can be worth up to £600.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the payment goes to about 1.2 million pensioners in the south west, and is part of an "extensive government package helping people of all ages".

Laura Cameron Long, head of development and philanthropy at DCF, said winter was "an extremely difficult time for many households in Devon and the charities that provide vital support to them".

'Huge joy'

"If you are able to donate, we will make sure this generous support meets local need."

Caroline Harlow, a trustee at DCF, said she hoped the fund would "become more of a thing".

"It's important to stress it's for all people who are vulnerably housed or are really struggling with increasing costs.

"We hold the fund. We then link with our anchoring organisations who really know where the distressed and vulnerable people are in their patch, and they can give the money straight out."

She added: "It just brings huge joy to my heart as a trustee that we've been able to launch this fund.

"If you need help, please ask for it."