FEARS have been raised that a higher number of people are dying in winter.

Government statistics revealed there were 250 'excess' winter deaths recorded in Oxfordshire during 2015/16, with provisional data suggesting the figures for the 2016/17 winter could be even higher.

There is thought to have been a significant rise in winter deaths across the region with 5,500 recorded in the South East.

People living in older homes in rural areas are most effected because it is harder to heat their homes.

OFTEC, which represents the oil heating industry, has produced a free information guide including tips and advice on staying warm, essential phone numbers, help with finding a local heating technician and guidance on applying for heating payment schemes.