AN appeal has been launched to help a charity dedicated to helping the elderly.

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell has launched a new year appeal to raise funds for Age Concern Colchester to help them help senior citizens.

Official figures show there are 30,900 people aged 65 and above living in the Colchester borough, which represents about 17 per cent of the population.

However, Age Concern Colchester has lost some major grant funding which Sir Bob hopes to rectify.

He said: “Last year, thanks to the welfare advice service provided by Age Concern Colchester, more than £1million was obtained for the most needy of our older residents.

“For all of them this meant an improvement in their quality of life, often dramatically and life-changing to their advantage.

“For some, it meant they were able to continue to live at home without having to go into care homes or into hospital.”

Until three years ago the elderly people’s welfare rights service was funded by Colchester Council but this has stopped – a decision which Sir Bob has publicly deplored.

He said it cost about £2,000 a week to run Age Concern Colchester.

Sir Bob has asked the council to reinstate a grant of £25,000 but the council said it is using its stretched funds to help a variety of worthy causes.

Due to the loss of income, the welfare service has been reduced and Sir Bob is worried it will come to an end unless other funds are found.

Now he has appealed to pensioners who do not need their Government-funded winter fuel payment to donate it to Age Concern Colchester, and that other people of all ages will also make donations.

Cheques should be made payable to Age Concern Colchester and sent to the charity at Winsley’s House in Colchester High Street.

Alternatively, visit www.ageconcerncolchester.org.uk/how-you-can-help/donate.