MORE than 500 people in Clacton have been helped to keep warm this winter, thanks to a special project.

The town’s Winter Warmers scheme provides clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, shoes and other goods to people in need.

The scheme has been operating from Citizens Advice Bureau Tendring’s centre in Old Road, Clacton, since before Christmas and continues until the end of January.

Citizens Advice Bureau boss Linda Isaac said: “Everyone who has donated has been very generous, but we could still do with more items – especially warm clothing – for the last couple of weeks of the scheme.”

Donations can be taken to the Old Road base, the Citizens Advice Bureau offices in Carnarvon Road, Clacton, or Clacton Town Hall.

Tendring Council health boss Lynda McWilliams said the cold snap meant there was even more need than previously this winter.

“So far, it has been pretty mild, but we are now starting to see temperatures drop and more people will need help and support,” she said.

“The figures prove that this service is definitely required and more than 500 people have already been assisted by the project.

“I would urge people to continue to play their part by making donations of items which are making a real difference to local families.”

More than 400 people were helped the first year of the project and just over 700 last year.