The £40 vouchers will be given to tenants of Cube Housing Association who are aged 70 and above and live in a deprived area, as well as all those living in sheltered housing complexes.

People eligible for the vouchers, which can be redeemed at a local supermarket, are being contacted by the housing association to arrange delivery of the gift.

The food bonus comes after the association sent plumbers to pensioners’ homes to complete checks on central heating, pipes and draught prevention this winter.