National fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) says latest government figures are a worrying sign of the toll colder weather could be having on the nation's health.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics estimate that 11,013 people aged over 65 died during the first week of January 2010, up 36 per cent on the 8,089 that died during the last week of December 2009.

NEA Director of Communications Maria Wardrobe said: "These are early statistics and we won't get the full detailed picture until later in the year - but we know that cold is a killer and it appears that the cold snap is taking its toll on the elderly and the vulnerable in their homes.

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"Temperatures in parts of the UK are likely to fall again this week and over the weekend. Our message to the vulnerable remains clear - keep your heating on and, if you are worried about bills, contact your energy supplier or the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99."

Government statistics published late last year revealed that there were an estimated 36,700 excess winter deaths in England and Wales during the winter of 08/09 - a 49% increase on the previous year, and largely attributable to cold weather.

Ms Wardrobe added: "As temperatures start to fall again, it is vital that people keep their heating on and get help if they are worried about paying their bills. They could be risking their lives by being cold in their homes.

"The Home Heat Helpline is a simple one-stop shop where people can get help to make a home warmer or discover whether they are entitled to a discount on their bills because of circumstances.

"High energy bills are now a fact of life, bills are likely to rise further over coming years, but they can be managed and the help is out there."

(CD/GK)