A woman who suffered five heart attacks and lives with severe asthma and diabetes says she has to choose between heating or eating.

Part-time waitress Chrissy Richard, 61, lives on just £37 a week and says her ill health prevents her from working more hours to boost her earnings.

The mum-of-one from Braintree struggles to cover the £30 - £40 weekly energy bills she faces in winter.

Mrs Richard, who has three stents, relies on her hot water bottle, dressing gown and the kindness of her neighbours to keep warm and well-fed.

For more information and advice about fuel poverty, contact adviceguide.org.uk or call the Citizens Advice Bureaux on 0844 4994719 10am – 3pm, Monday to Thursday.

* See Thursday's Times for the full story.