Hundreds of winter warmer kits filled with food and blankets have been distributed to older people in Ipswich with the aim of keeping them warm and healthy during the winter months.

The project, supported by ActivLives and Waitrose, has formed part of a £4.8million Big Lottery Fund Scheme and there have so far been more than 200 baskets handed out.

Jayne Rowley-Evans, a Business Connector seconded from Lloyds Bank, helped bring together the two organisations to send out the packs, which also contain mugs, cold alarms, fleeces and recipes donated by Waitrose.

She added: “I am delighted that this initiative has been met by such enthusiasm within the Ipswich community.

“I feel privileged that Lloyds Bank has seconded me into the heart of my local community, to enable me to make this kind of difference to the lives of the people who live here.”

Among the recipients of the Winter Warmer kits was Ipswich man Eric Rosier, a 90-year-old veteran, who described the pack as “wonderful”.

He added: “It wasn’t just the food but the fleece blanket and the cold alarm were much appreciated. I’m afraid my emotions got the better of me and I burst into tears thinking about the kindness that was shown.”

ActivLives is a charity working across Ipswich and Suffolk to help and support people living in deprived areas with the aim of making positive changes to their lifestyles and health and well-being.

Julie Stokes, CEO of ActivLives, said she was proud of the work done through the Winter Warmer kits to help people in Ipswich.

She added: “Many older people in this area are experiencing problems during the winter months will their health, and this is an effective way to help support people through the winter months.”

Paul Reely, Waitrose Ipswich branch manager, said: “It is great to be involved in such a fantastic initiative that will make such a significant difference.”