A CAMPAIGN urging better-off pensioners to give up their winter fuel payment to help needy OAPs has been declared a success after raising £17,000.

Pensioners donated that total in four weeks, with £10,000 donated in the first 10 days.

The cash will now go to charity to help less well-off pensioners.

Winter fuel payments are an annual tax-free state benefit paid to elderly people.

Every person over 60 receives between £125 and £400, depending on age and circumstances.

Campaign organiser Jim Campbell welcomed the generosity of county pensioners and urged more to give.

The former Lord Mayor of Oxford said: “We launched the appeal to make sure that winter fuel money goes to those who really need it.

“So far we have been pleased with the level of generosity shown by people in the county.

“But we are looking to raise very much more if we are going to make a genuine impact in helping individuals and community groups around Oxfordshire.”

Money donated to the campaign will be distributed through the Oxfordshire Community Foundation, which works with county charities.

Mr Campbell added: “A lot of people we have spoken to have said they have been waiting for a scheme like this to be launched.

“It is an opportunity for people to help those who are more vulnerable, and make a real difference. We would urge anyone who can afford to make this donation to call us.”

The campaign was backed by Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood, the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Tim Stevenson and the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard Bishop John said: “I was really pleased to have the opportunity to support this scheme.

“It is entirely appropriate to give people who may not need their winter fuel allowance the chance to help those who are less well off.”

Ms Blackwood added: “Every winter many vulnerable people in Oxfordshire, mostly elderly, live in fuel poverty which leaves them facing illness and, in the worst cases, death.

“Please do whatever you can to support the appeal.

“It could make all the difference to some of Oxfordshire’s most vulnerable residents this winter.”

Donor Dermot Roaf, 73, of St Margaret’s Road in North Oxford, said: “I’ve been having the winter fuel payment for several years but it seemed absurd to give it to everyone over a certain age, untaxed and unrelated to how much winter fuel they need.

“I have a decent pension and while heating is expensive, I can afford it, but I know for a lot of people that’s not true.”

Prime Minister David Cameron last month insisted that the Government would keep the winter fuel payment after Business Secretary Vince Cable was secretly recorded saying it might be axed.

For more information about the scheme and to get donation forms, see the website oxfordshire.org, send an email to ocf@oxfordshire.org or call 01865 556404 or 01865 798666.