Bradford teenagers have been praised for showing “great maturity” in raising funds for this year’s Winter Warmth appeal.

A group of 43 students, aged 16 and 17, worked on the appeal as part of a National Citizens Service project, a Government initiative delivered by Bradford City’s Community Foundation scheme.

As well as raising more than £500, the group has also collected bags of clothing, which will now be distributed by a community organisations to vulnerable residents most at risk from the cold winter.

Paula Helliwell, of Bradford City Community Foundation, said the students had been inspired to get involved after being given a presentation on the appeal, which is coordinated by Bradford Council’s Warm Homes Healthy People partnership, during a visit to City Hall.

“We’re really proud of them,” she said. “They showed real maturity and community awareness by focusing on the Winter Warmth Appeal. They wanted to help a project that could really make a difference, and its refreshing that they thought about people less fortunate than themselves.”

Rahida Patel, a 17-year-old who took part in the project, said: “We learnt that the cold weather leads to lots of people becoming isolated and cut off. Without this help people may die and many more could end up in hospital.

“We hope that others will follow our example and either raise money for the Winter Warmth Appeal or do something in their own communities to help.”

Figures from a 2012-13 Warm Homes Healthy People report claimed there were 217 avoidable deaths in the Bradford district caused by last year’s cold weather, with, on average, an additional 167 emergency hospital admissions every day during the winter months. Weather experts are already predicting heavy and persistent snow for 2013, with some long-term forecasts suggesting this winter will be the worst since 1947.

Juli Thompson, from Inn Churches, received a cheque from the students at Bradford City FC yesterday, and the charity will be one of those responsible for re-distributing the donations via the Bradford District Community Fund.

She said: “It is fantastic what these young people have achieved for the campaign this year. Over the winter months we will be putting the money and gifts raised to good use. It is great to be part of a district with so many people that care.”

To find out about ways of donating to the Winter Warmth appeal, which runs from December to March, visit www.bradforddcf.org.uk.