ABOUT 50 black balloons have been released to commemorate those who have died from fuel poverty.

Pensioners each released a balloon with each balloon representing 1,000 deaths across the UK over the last year.

The black balloons were released with the help of Colchester councillor Dave Harris.

He met the pensioners at School Road in Colchester along with Ron Douglas of the National Pensioners Convention.

Mr Harris said: “I am concerned at the figures which equal to 15 deaths an hour for over 75s.

“It’s good to highlight the issue and I think people need to look after themselves by putting the heating up.

“All these people have come here as they are just as concerned.”

Mr Douglas from the National Pensioners Convention said there were a number of other regions where balloons were released including in Westminster, Southampton, Milton Keynes, Exeter and Birmingham.

He said: “Every year there has been an increase in the number of deaths from fuel poverty.

“There is a massive amount of people still suffering and we have tied notes to the balloons so that if someone finds one they can contact us for more information on the issue.”