People in Staffordshire facing financial hardship are being urged to apply for grants of up to £700 for food, heating and other essential items this winter.

Staffordshire County Council have launched two grant schemes this month to help residents and families manage the financial pressures of winter.

The first scheme awards vouchers for food and other essential supplies, redeemable at Aldi, ASDA, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose or Marks & Spencer's.

The second grant scheme awards up to £350 worth of financial assistance to pay for home heating bills.

The support is provided by pre-paid meter credit or paid directly to energy providers to add credit or to clear prior debt.

Mark Sutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Staffordshire county council said:

"We know that during the colder months and with rising heating costs, managing finances can be difficult for some families.

"That's why we have introduced these two new grant schemes which will help support some of our most vulnerable families through the winter.

"I would urge anyone on a low income or struggling financially to check the eligibility criteria and to apply to both schemes using the online forms."

The financial support is available to residents who are unemployed, claiming benefits or have a gross annual income of up to £16,190.

People can find out more about the grants, check eligibility and apply online here.