THE North-East had the fewest number of winter related deaths in the country last year – but charities say the decline is no cause for celebration.

An estimated 18,200 excess winter deaths occurred in England and Wales throughout 2013/14, representing the lowest figures since records began.

Numbers from the North-East show 800 people – mostly pensioners - suffered winter-related deaths, compared to 1,720 in 2012/13.

Figures have decreased across the country but the statistics remain sobering and charities have urged caution against welcoming evidence that shows thousands of people died from the cold last winter – 15,900 of them aged 65 and over.

Age UK’s charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “It is truly shocking that thousands of older people are dying unnecessarily every winter because they cannot afford to keep warm.

“This is a national disgrace and a damning indictment of our failure to tackle the root cause of the problem - cold, energy-inefficient homes.”

The charity estimates that around a quarter of a million older people have died from the cold in the last decade.

Ms Abrahams said: “Fewer older people died last year compared to recent years but the winter was exceptionally mild.

“We must not be complacent about the cold homes which cause so many deaths among older people because who knows how bad this and future winters will be.

“The sad fact is that many of these deaths could have been prevented.”

Despite the North-East’s record-breaking low statistics, Age UK Darlington’s chief executive Gillian Peel shared Ms Abrahams’ sentiments.

She said: “In Darlington we have been working towards improving outcomes for older people during the winter by developing projects such as Good Friends and other support services – we provide information and advice to help maximise older people’s income, and fuel property advice.

“We also gave out 200 winter warmth packs last year and have been able to fit over 100 people with energy saving devices for free.

“These services have helped but have not eradicated the problem in Darlington.

“There are still more improvements needed to help older people in the North East.”

For fuel advice or support from any of Age UK Darlington’s projects contact 01325-362832, email info@ageukdarlington.org.uk or call in at their Beaumont Street West premises.