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Norfolk’s leading cleric has urged people to dig deep to help the Surviving Winter appeal, as the county shivered in the cold snap.

With thousands of elderly and vulnerable people worrying how they will afford to heat their homes, the Norfolk Community Foundation appeal raises money to help them.

Better-off pensioners who don’t need their winter fuel payments can donate them to help those in need.

The Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, said: “The Surviving Winter Campaign was wonderfully supported by EDP readers and the wider community in Norfolk last year.

“Read some of the stories of those who were helped and you know what a difference it makes.

“So I hope that generosity will be repeated this year. I hope, too, that possible recipients will be encouraged by their families and friends to seek help.

“This modest redistribution of income not only keeps some older people warmer than they would have been, it warms the life blood of our community in which we belong to one-another. This is a wonderful way of showing that we care.”

Stephen Fry has tweeted details of the appeal to his millions of Twitter followers. And actor Roger Lloyd Pack – best known as Trigger in Only Fools and Horses – has donated his £200 winter fuel payment.

Another supporter is Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, who said: “The EDP and Norfolk Community Foundation’s Surviving Winter campaign is a brilliant idea.

“It shows what a strong campaigning regional newspaper and a Norfolk charity together can achieve.

“We all support it building on its first successful year, because it gets the help to where it is really needed. There is assistance available for those who need it and this campaign gives practical help to Norfolk and Norwich’s vulnerable people.”

Last night, the appeal total was approaching £10,000. Jenny Beavan, grants officer with Norfolk Community Foundation, said: “Donations of any size are most welcome.

“Despite positive messages starting to emerge about the economy, we know household budgets will be tight for many for some time yet, especially with Christmas looming, so we really do appreciate every donation however large or small.

“With snow on the horizon this is the very time when our elderly need our support the most. If everyone reading this today who can afford even a small donation filled out the form and sent it in, we’d be able to fast-track more support to those in need and our elderly will not be sitting in their homes wondering if they can afford to turn their heating on when the cold starts to really bite.”

chris.bishop@archant.co.uk