FATHER Christmas knows that cold weather is really setting in. There are many people in the area who will have trouble keeping warm over the winter so the official launch of Project Wenceslas by the mayor, Mike Hodge, took place on November 14 in the Lion and Lamb Yard.

Farnham Lions are inviting those pensioners who feel they do not need their Winter Fuel Allowance to donate the payments to the Lions who will use the funds to help families and individuals who are seriously struggling to cook and keep warm this winter.

Last year Lions received generous donations amounting to over £18,193 which enabled the CAB to clear the fuel debt of its clients and for Lions to make numerous grants to families identified by Sure Start Centres and Home/School link workers.

The mayor said: “I know that many people in Farnham have trouble staying warm over the winter and the Lions’ imaginative project helps so many people in need at this time of year.”

Donors can contribute online via www.justgiving.com/lions-wenceslas .

Lions’ president Andrew Lodge said: “Donors can be assured that all funds raised are used for the purposes of relieving fuel debt and poverty by making payments direct to the utility companies. There are no overheads and every pound is spent on fuel.”