A charity has predicted more pleas for help from vulnerable people struggling to deal with the cost of cold weather this winter.

The Wimbledon Guild said it expected more requests following cuts to the Government's winter fuel allowance.

The charity has asked anyone who receives the allowance but does not use it to donate the cash to its fund for vulnerable people.

A spokesman said last winter the guild made £2,500 of payments towards food, clothing and heating bills for its clients.

Jane Platts, the charity's head of social welfare, said: “Now that the weather is getting colder we are expecting a significant increase in requests for help.

"We are also expecting more older people to contact us for support as this is the first year of the lower winter fuel allowance.”

Russell Humphreys, the chief executive, said: “This year the economic climate has been difficult for everyone.

"The money we receive from people donating their winter fuel allowance to us will be used to help local people over the winter months with food, clothing and heating related costs.”

To donate call 020 8946 0735 or send a cheque to Jane Platts at The Wimbledon Guild, Guild House, 30 to 32 Worple Road, London, SW19 4EF.

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