An appeal which aims to persuade pensioners to give their winter fuel allowance to the needy has seen more than £50,000 donated in Somerset after the scheme was backed by a number of celebrities.

Last year, Somerset Community Foundation asked those who did not need the payment to donate it to less well-off pensioners.

The idea has now been rolled out nationally, with the backing of over-50s group Saga, and across Britain the appeal has so far raised more than £500,000 from donated winter fuel payments.

This year, local charities and community organisations in Somerset are celebrating a £56,000 cash boost already after more than 270 people supported the scheme.

Since the appeal was launched at the beginning of November more than £40,000 has been donated.

The entire amount has been turned around swiftly by the foundation to a range of community organisations both to help people with financial support in paying their own bills, and to make sure other essential services are available such as community transport and meals on wheels.

Separately and on top of this, 43 donations were made to 14 other charities worth over £9,000 through Localgiving.com which is managed locally by the foundation.

These donations received a further boost of £7,000 from the Government through a match funding scheme.

Justin Sargent, chief executive of the Somerset Community Foundation, said: “On behalf of all the charities that have benefited from the donations made through the foundation I would like to thank everyone who has supported their work.”

The tax-free winter fuel allowance is paid every year – £300 to people over the age of 80 (down from £400 last year) and £200 (down from £250) to people aged between 60 and 80.

MP Ann Widdecombe promised to pass on her allowance, along with a host of other stars who have helped to raise awareness of the appeal.

TV presenter Dickie Davies, broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, actress Dame Helen Mirren, veteran TV and radio presenter Sir Terry Wogan, actor Sir David Jason, Sir Michael Parkinson and TV agony aunt Denise Robertson are just some of the stars that have got behind the idea.

The foundation is still asking for donations to meet the growing demand for support from local charities working with the most vulnerable elderly in the county.

Mr Sargent added: “While we have been enjoying a relatively mild winter so far we know that many pensioners on very low incomes are still struggling to come to terms with the increase to the fuel bills. More people have been identified through our local charities this year, and many more need our support now.

“With January and February just around the corner we need to make sure as much help as possible can be made available.

“It is not too late to donate and make a difference to someone in need.”

If you wish to support the appeal, you can donate online at www.somersetcf.org.uk.

Meanwhile, for now, the match challenge scheme for donations through Localgiving.com has closed but another opportunity will be available in the new year.

The foundation is encouraging as many community groups to join the site in time for the next match challenge.

Sixty-four groups have already signed up. To find out more, contact Karen Collins on 01749 344949.