Almost 300 people received the one-off payment of £50 as a cold weather payment.

The charity's chief executive Stephen Gilbert said: "We're here to help people who are experiencing hardship, maintain their independence and dignity. Our board of trustees wanted to offer this additional help at a time when it's most needed.

"People can use the money to pay any bills, from buying food to heating their homes. We know from last year that people appreciated the cold weather payment and this year's winter definitely calls for that extra financial support again."