ALMOST £8,000 was donated to people in need in Devon over the last year thanks to the generosity of people who gave up their winter fuel payments. Devon Citizens' Advice Bureau partnered with the Devon Community Foundation (DCF) to operate the Surviving Winter campaign over the winter months of 2013-2014. The campaign saw people who did not require their winter fuel payment donating it via the DCF. Citizens' Advice Bureaux across the county, then helped allocate the money to people who were most in need. Thirteen grants were made in the Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon area out of a total of 78 households benefitting from the scheme. The winter fuel payment is a tax-free payment of between £100-£300 from the Government to help pay heating bills for people born before 1952. Winter fuel payments are given automatically if people get the state pension and some other social security benefits. Dennis Mardon, treasurer of Devon CAB, said: 'I am delighted at the success of this scheme across the whole of Devon where we have been able to assist those most in need to survive another winter. 'I hope that our partnership with the Devon Community Foundation can continue in the future and thank all those who have generously donated their own winter fuel payment to assist those most in need.' Laura Hewitt, marketing manager for the Devon Community Foundation, added: 'We're absolutely delighted with the generous donations we received this year. 'Nearly £8,000 is a fantastic achievement and makes a real difference to those most in need in our communities, meaning that those who are often forgotten will receive the attention that could mean the difference between life and death in 2014.'