A global charity's founder is stepping up to help some pensioners in Lancashire with energy bills this winter.

Ali Rehman Malik, chair of the Institute of Research & Reforms International (IRR) think tank, and the Rehman Malik Foundation, have launched the Winter Fuel Support Campaign to help a handful of pensioners in towns and cities around the UK.

This campaign aims to provide financial assistance to 10 vulnerable pensioners in five locations struggling with energy bills - Blackpool, Coventry, Thanet in Kent, Jaywick in Essex, and Waveney in Suffolk.

The campaign comes after the Labour government changed winter fuel payments to be means-tested to pensioners on Pension Credit rather than a universal benefit.

It means millions of elderly people will no longer get the free cash handout worth £200-300, a move criticised by some, but necessary to reduce huge gaps in public finances, Labour said.

Ali Rehman Malik, chair of IRR and son of the late Pakistani Senator Abdul Rehman Malik, said the initiative was an 'urgent and necessary intervention.'

He said: "With rising energy costs and the government’s reduction in aid, many pensioners are at risk of being unable to afford basic heating.

"This program is aimed at alleviating the financial burden that many of our pensioners face as they struggle with rising energy costs."

Mr Malik said his aim is to ensure 'the elderly, who have contributed so much to society, are not left vulnerable this winter.'

He also urged the Government to rethink the policy, arguing the move announced in summer was 'brought in too quickly without giving pensioners a chance to prepare'.

Mr Malik said: "I hope Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves will heed the urgent calls of pensioners from all around the country to immediately reverse this policy.

"The first winter fuel payments are paid in November, so it’s not too late to undo the worry and anxiety that many people are currently experiencing as a result of this unnecessary decision."

The campaign is actively seeking partnerships with local charities to help identify and reach those pensioners most in need.

Any charities which wish to collaborate can contact the IRR or Rehman Malik Foundation.