Nearly 2,500 people in the West Country will die as result of the cold weather this winter

Credit: ITV West Country

Across the West Country nearly 2,500 people will die who wouldn't have at other times of the year because of the cold weather.

A charity's warning many more people are finding themselves at risk of dying this winter because they are in fuel poverty.

The Wiltshire Community Foundation claims that 30,000 people in the county live in fuel poverty.

It's defined as when someone spends more than a tenth of their income on gas or electricity.

The latest figures available (2016/17) show it's a particularly significant issue in rural areas with PHE 'excess winter deaths' figures showing Somerset has 25% higher death rate than the average rate across the South West region.

Excess winter deaths index Aug 2016 - Jul 2017

  • Wiltshire - 275

  • Swindon 110

  • Somerset - 416

  • Gloucestershire - 299

  • Bristol - 182

  • Devon - 506

  • Cornwall - 218

  • Dorset - 401

Peter Howells refuses to let his home get cold because he says he needs to protect his wife Margaret who's had 5 hip replacements.

The couple receive a £300 grant to help with their fuel bills.

Great Western Hospital consultant Dr Sarah White has told ITV News that the elderly are easily the most vulnerable in society with many refusing to put the heat on in their homes.

The Wiltshire Community Foundation gives money to pensioners to help with their winter budgets but has had to stop already as the demand is so great.