A Bristol charity that helps vulnerable elderly people has thousands of pounds to give away to those struggling to pay their bills.

The Bristol Benevolent Institution is one of the city's oldest charities.

Last year the Post reported how it was actually struggling to spend its money because of a drop in the number of requests for help.

Our story led to an increase in applications and the organisation was able to help a number of those who came forward.

The BBI is currently giving out more than £400,000 a year to those eligible for assistance.

Chairman David Farrar said: "With the difficulties that many people are currently facing, we are able to help those who are in need.

"Now we are in the depths of winter and with the economic climate deteriorating, I feel sure that we could assist many more."

The charity was formed in 1869 after benefactors left money to help people who had fallen on hard times.

In its first year it helped six people with an average grant of £22.

Over time the funds invested built up and in 1982 the rules of the charity were changed to offer help to anyone over 60 who had lived in the Bristol area for at least 15 years.

The BBI covers an area roughly within a 15-mile radius of Bristol – including South Gloucestershire and North Somerset – offering grants or interest-free loans to those who are on a low fixed income with little in the way of savings.

Mr Farrar said a number of older people were struggling to cover the basics of heating, food and council tax.

For them, he said, the charity could provide a lifeline.

Loans are available to people living in their own homes who are having problems coping with the cost of maintaining them.

Each loan is repayable only when the house is sold or the occupant dies.

With no interest charged, occupiers have a lump sum to use as they wish.

Mr Farrar said: "We receive requests from social services but they constantly change the nature and demographics of their departments, with staff moving and changing, making it far more difficult for us to have a continuous relationship with them.

"Health visitors and occupational therapy departments are also a good source of introductions and we would welcome some from doctors or chur- ches as we used to some years ago.

"Some people are understandably proud and don't want to accept money from a 'charity'. But we would really like to help more of those affected.

"At the moment we are supporting in excess of 300 people, but we are keen to help even more."

The charity has four women "visitors" who stay in contact with those receiving money so they can visit them and review their needs.

It also holds an annual service in Bristol Cathedral, followed by a tea party at the Council House for its beneficiaries.