MORE elderly people are to benefit from Crediton Congregational Church’s warm hub this winter.

National Grid Electricity Distribution has awarded a £2,000 grant to the church from its £5 million Community Matters Fund which is supporting hundreds of community groups across the South West, Midlands, and South Wales to fight fuel poverty.

This grant will allow the church to open its doors to residents who might be isolated, lonely or struggling to keep warm over the winter.

They will be able to enjoy hot drinks and something to eat, as well as benefitting from expert energy-saving advice.

Brian Williams, a fundraising volunteer with Crediton Congregational Church, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded this grant from the Community Matters Fund. It will help us to continue and expand ‘Coffee and Co’, providing a warm and friendly space for older members of the community to meet and socialise, saving them money on heating and lighting, and offering them money-saving advice on their energy bills.

“With the grant we can also now include those members of the community who have previously not been able to take part because of a lack of transport.”

Chris Hayton, Director of Corporate Affairs at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said: "Unfortunately, we know that many people will struggle to keep their homes warm this winter.

"At a time when addressing fuel poverty has never been more critical, our Community Matters Fund will support local groups to deliver help where it’s most needed.

“We're looking forward to working with community groups like the Crediton Congregational Church to create positive change and to seeing the results of their hard work.”

National Grid is the distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West England and South Wales.

Its annual Community Matters Fund has donated £5 million to 1,000 community groups, charities and local councils since 2021.

It is responsible for delivering electricity to eight million customers and committed to investing around £1 billion a year in its network.

National Grid is not an electricity supply company and does not bill customers directly. The distribution element makes up about 10 per cent of an average customer’s bill which is around £100 a year or 27p a day.

In a power cut, call 105 for free 24 hours-a-day.