A NATIONAL scheme that provides vouchers for energy and emergency food has helped more than 20,000 people who are struggling across Wirral.

The scheme by npower Fuel Bank and the Trussell Trust aims to remove the choice some people face between choosing heating or eating by giving foodbank users pre-payment meter vouchers for gas or electricity, regardless if they are with npower.

This allows households that have run out of energy to put the power back on within the same day and keep the lights and heating for around two weeks.

Richard Roberts, manager of Wirral Foodbank said: "When talking to those who come to our Foodbank, many do not have the means to cook the food provided and heat their homes.

"The fuel voucher provides a lifeline, enabling people to heat their homes and feed themselves and their families.

"There are lots of reasons for people needing to visit the foodbank whether it be changes or delays with benefit, low income or debt.

"Quite often one issue will have a domino effect resulting in pressure on the household – the fuel voucher takes away some of that pressure."