HELP is being offered to people struggling to make ends meet.

Knutsford Lions launched their ‘Wenceslas Project’ nine years ago to help families and individuals keep warm.

The scheme was expanded to include local people suffering any kind of financial hardship.

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As energy and food costs soar, the appeal now links the Lions with The Welcome and Citizens Advice, to reach those most at risk.

Organisations such as Hope Central, who run Knutsford foodbank, are able to benefit from the scheme.

Lion member Peter Wilgoose, who has been involved with the scheme since the start, said: “The ‘Wenceslas Project is designed to give short term help for those suffering immediate financial hardship rather than providing long term support for paying bills.

“These are still very difficult times for a lot of people, and donations from everyone, not just senior citizens, will be gratefully received.”

Under the scheme, senior citizens who do not need their winter fuel allowance or further contributions made by the government are being asked to make a contribution to help those less fortunate to keep warm.

To donate visit justgiving/knutsforddistrict-lionsclub or send a cheque made payable to ‘Knutsford Lions Charity Account’, endorsed ‘Project Wenceslas’ on the back, to Peter Willgoose, Chestnut Cottage, Tabley Road, Knutsford, WA16 0NE.

If the donor is a tax payer, gift aid can be claimed which should increase the donation by 25 per cent.

Gift Aid forms are available on request.