Older people across the UK have been urged by the Department for Work and Pensions to get their winter fuel payment applications in in plenty of time before Christmas.

Minister for pensions reform Mike O'Brien has said that by getting applications in now, older people should receive help heating their home in time for the festive period, with a marked deadline of September 21st to guarantee assistance.

"We don't want anyone to miss out on the help they are entitled to. If you haven't received a winter fuel payment before - and are not receiving state pension or another social security benefit - you need to apply," Mr O'Brien said.

He added that older people "shouldn't have to worry" about how to keep their home warm, adding that the £200 to £300 payment will help eight million households.

The fuel payment is an annual sum given to those aged 60 or more, with those over 80 entitled to the upper level of £300.

Last year, Age Concern revealed that the number of pensioners living in fuel poverty was likely to have doubled in just two years.