Almost £28,000 has already been collected in Farnham Lions Club’s Project Wenceslas campaign.

The initiative sees people in Farnham and Haslemere donate their winter fuel payments and other funds to the scheme.

Lion Phil Williams said: “The donations currently amount to £27,719 – and this before we reclaim Gift Aid.  

“Farnham Lions are in the process of spending those funds on alleviating fuel debt and poverty in the Farnham and Haslemere areas.  

“So far this year nearly 200 people have been helped to stay warm and have hot meals. With the rise in the cost of living and fuel bills – and despite government assistance – the need is not diminishing.  

“All the payments are made direct to the utility companies so not a penny is wasted.”

The Lions thanked the Herald, the Farnham Support Fund, Citizens Advice Waverley, Barnardo’s Family Centres, the food bank, churches and home-school link workers for their help.

Further donations which can be made at https://www.lionsgiving.co.uk/Appeal/farnhamwenmceslas or by cheque payable to “Farnham Lions Club CIO” and endorsed “WFP” on the back to Lion Treasurer, Brooklands, Dene Lane West, Lower Bourne, Farnham, GU10 3PS.