POWER companies say they are trying to help pensioners combat the cold with help towards their fuel bills.

Schemes have been set up by gas and electricity companies to help elderly people manage their bills, keep warm and reduce energy costs.

These schemes include dis-counts of up to £250 from fuel bills, free gas safety checks and help towards buying insulation.

Charities are now urging pensioners to take up the schemes so they are less worried about using gas and electricity during cold spells to heat their homes.

The call comes as part of the Lancashire Telegraph campaign Dying From The Cold, which launched last week.

Shocking figures revealed that 38 elderly people in East Lancashire have died from cold-related illnesses so far this winter.

This was up 30 per cent year on year as a direct result of the icy weather.

Older people’s charities say the figures highlighted vuln-erable and forgotten elderly people, unable to afford to heat their homes properly, and with no family or friends to help them through the tough times.

Age Concern Lancashire has voiced its concern saying that people – especially the elderly – do not know what help is available to them, and where to get help.

Geraldine Moore, chief officer for Age Concern Lanc-ashire, said: “There is a lot of help out there for elderly people, but often people do not act until it is too late.

“It is very worrying how many people do not know where to get help from.

“It can be very dangerous especially for old people who are just sat down all day, unable to be active and keep themselves warm.

“If people need advice as to how and where they can get advice about their bills they can contact ourselves or their local council for help.”

A spokesperson for npower said: “We have been offering help for people who may struggle to pay their bills for more than a decade.

“Our schemes include offer-ing help with fuel payments for the elderly, sick and people on low income and also giving help with gas safety checks and buying insulation.”

A spokesperson for British Gas said: “We offer various initiatives to help people.

“We offer free insulation for people who may be strugg-ling to pay for it and our British Gas Energy Trust gives grants for people to pay off their fuel debt.

“We also point people to-wards other services in their local area such as Citizens’ Advice if we cannot offer any support.”

For information on help towards fuel bills contact Age Concern Lancashire on 01282 427222.