Donations are already flooding in to this winter's appeal to help Norfolk's vulnerable elderly pay their fuel bills.

The first cheque to arrive at Norfolk Community Foundation's HQ in Norwich yesterday was a �100 donation from an EDP reader, who read about the launch of Surviving Winter in Saturday's paper.

Jenny Bevan, the foundation's grants manager, said: 'The first Surviving Winter donation has already arrived, which is exceptionally quick considering the appeal was only launched on Saturday. We were quite astonished.

'They must have popped it in the post straight after reading the EDP.

'The phone has been ringing almost constantly with inquiries, both about applying for help and about donating. We've also had quite a flood of inquiries about the Warm and Well Fund too, so it's obvious the help we'll be giving there is very much needed.'

Foundation director Graham Tuttle said: 'It looks like the appeal is starting on a very firm footing, and has struck a chord with many who are already stepping forward.

'The donations are likely to be of varying amounts again too – not just those giving their own winter fuel allowance but anyone who feels that this is an appeal they would like to support and can afford to make a donation of any size.

'That's brilliant because we know from last year's campaign that every penny counts and it all collectively makes a real difference.'

Last year's Surviving Winter appeal raised �55,000 in Norfolk, doubling its original target, meaning grants could be made to 239 households.

Age UK Norfolk has already started receiving calls from people who wish to apply for help this year.

Surviving Winter co-ordinator Jasmine Toombs said: 'Everyone I've spoken to has said they're worried, fuel prices are going up and it's a lot out of their pension.'

To apply for help from the Surviving Winter fund, call Age UK Norfolk on 01603 787111. To apply for assistance from the Warm and Well fund, call the Norfolk Community Foundation on 01603 623958.