THERE was good news for the Vale's elderly who have been told they will receive their Winter Fuel Payments before Christmas.

Payments of £200 for pensioners, rising to £300 for the over 80s, will be made automatically to those who qualified last year and anyone claiming a State Pension. And any pensioners claiming another state benefit - other than Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit - will also qualify.

Most households with someone aged 60 or over on or before September 25 will qualify for the money which is intended to help pay for winter heating costs.

And the Department for Work and Pensions has advised people to see if they qualify for other schemes.

Payments of £200 are available to over 65s to help pay Council Tax, cold weather payments of £8.50 a week are available to those who qualify if temperatures drop to zero or below for seven straight days.

Grants of up to £2,700 or £4,000 - for oil central heating - are available to pay for central heating and insulation for pensioners on low incomes, for details call 0800 316 6011 and additional pension credits of £50 are available to some over 70s.

Anyone who might be eligible for their first Winter Fuel Payment can ring 08459 151515 and for advice on keeping warm people can ring the Winter Warmth Advice Line on 0800 085 7000 for a free leaflet.