DESPITE last winter being one of the mildest on record, Age Concern Energy Services says Swindon people aged 60 or over are still set to benefit from a Cold Weather Payment.

The payment is available exclusively for Age Concern's gas customers who are aged 60 or over and provides customers with the equivalent of an extra two hours gas heating free for every day that the temperature drops below freezing point. The rebate covers the period from December 1, 2001 to February 28, 2002, during which there were 44 days that dropped below freezing, and will result in a payment of nearly £10 for all customers aged 60 and over.

Jacquie Sheppard, from Age Concern Swindon, said: "Many older people are conscious of an increase in their fuel bills during the winter months and it has been shown that insufficient heating can greatly increase an individual's susceptibility to illness. Age Concern has been offering gas and electricity in conjunction with Powerplan since September 1999."