A CHARITY has launched an appeal to help keep the elderly and vulnerable warm after more than 150 people died through winter-related illnesses last year.

Quartet Community Foundation (QCF) has launched its regional appeal to raise money for older people which will go to ensure they stay warm this winter.

Last year QCF raised �47,000 and worked with Age UK and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to make sure those in need were kept warm, with money going towards paying heating bills, fixing boilers or for regular visits to check on people’s welfare.

Caroline Duckworth, the QCF’s chief executive, said: “Winter is a dangerous time for North Somerset’s older people.

“Thirteen per cent of households are living in fuel poverty and around half of those include somebody over 60.

“Fuel poverty causes serious health problems including heart attacks and strokes and last year there were 150 ‘excess’ deaths in North Somerset in winter with the majority of them being older people.”