ELDERLY people are being urged to make sure they are accessing all the help they can to keep their homes warm this winter.

A survey conducted by Age UK shows one in three pensioners can’t afford to turn on the heating – yet billions of pounds worth of benefits are being left unclaimed.

The charity believes the number of elderly people in West Dorset suffering in the cold months reaches in to the hundreds.

There are 500 cold weather-related deaths in the county each year.

Peter Lindsley, Age UK Dorchester information and advice manager, said: “It’s a tragedy that hundreds of older people in West Dorset cannot afford to keep warm during the winter months. We need to make sure that vulnerable older people are protected from the effects of cold weather this winter, and that they contact Age UK Dorchester in order to ensure that they are receiving the correct benefits.”

The research also shows that elderly people tend to stay with the same suppliers for decades.

Around 36 percent who have home insurance with their mortgage advisor have stayed with the same company for more than 20 years.

Gary Mason, Age UK Dorchester trading manager, said: “It’s important that people check their home insurance policies to ensure they are covered for their particular requirements. It also makes good sense for individuals to shop around to ensure that they get the best deal and most suitable cover.”

Contact Age UK Dorchester on 01305 269444, or visit Rowan Cottage, Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.