A LIFELINE has been launched to help families struggling to cook hot meals and keep warm during the winter.

Knutsford and District Lions Club have been operating a scheme called Project Wenceslas for the past six years which aims to reduce fuel poverty faced by local residents.

Every Christmas the appeal asks senior citizens to consider making a donation from their winter fuel allowance to enable Lions to support local people trapped in fuel debt of other hardship.

READ > Passengers hit with £400 court bill for dodging train fares

Citizen’s Advice Cheshire North (CACN) and the Welcome on Longridge have teamed up with the Lions to support families families financial hardship.

Lions President Paul Buttrick said: “Senior citizens are entitled to a winter fuel allowance irrespective of their needs.

"Those who feel they do not need all of their allowance might like to consider making a donation to Knutsford Lions Project Wenceslas so help can be given to families and individuals of all ages trapped in fuel poverty.

"Such help has become even more important with the current increase in fuel charges. It is also important that we try to help those suffering major financial hardship whenever we can and this scheme allows us to do that.

"Donations from anyone else wishing to help within the scheme will be greatly appreciated."

Needy families are identified by the CACN, the Welcome or other community help organisations who ask for funding from the scheme.

Money is then be paid direct to the fuel utility accounts of the affected households, or provide funds, under their strict control, to lessen financial hardship.

The system ensures that all donations distributed are used for the purpose for which they are intended.

Donations can be made through the Lions JustGiving account at knutsfordlions.org.uk.

Alternatively residents can send a cheque payable to Knutsford Lions Charity Account, marked 'Project Wenceslas' on the back, to Knutsford and District Lions c/o Peter Willgoose, Chestnut Cottage, Tabley Road, Knutsford, WA16 0NE.

If the cheque is from a taxpayer gift aid can be claimed which increases the donation by 25 per cent.

A gift aid form will be supplied on request.

For further information call Peter Willgoose 01565 631255.