Responding to the findings, Michelle Bagnall, Policy Officer at Help the Aged, said: 'We welcome this research and will be examining it in detail.

'The research indicates that factors which impact on fuel poverty tend also to impact on cold-related mortality rates since fuel poverty is likely to leave people living in poorly heated housing.

'54 per cent of people aged 60 or over are in fuel poverty. This issue must remain a high priority for Government.'

Keep yourself warm and ensure that your home is adequately heated this winter. Visit our winter deaths page to get advice on keeping warm and making sure you claim your rightful benefits.