As heating and electricity bills continue to soar across Northern Ireland, one local council has stepped-up a campaign to help the most vulnerable save energy, and reduce household fuel bills.

Ballymoney Council has launched the Warmer Ways to Better Health scheme, which provides a package of heating, insulation and energy efficiency measures free of charge to those who qualify.

The scheme is a joint initiative, co-ordinated between NIE's Energy Efficiency Programme, the Department of Social Development, the Northern Investing for Health Partnership and Ballymoney Council.

Anita Kelly, Energy Efficiency Adviser for Ballymoney, Moyle and Coleraine Councils said: "The Warmer Ways to Better Health scheme helps people to reduce their energy bills. It's all about using less energy, which means lower energy bills.

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"This scheme gives homes an energy makeover, everything a house needs to be nice and cosy whilst using as little energy as possible."

Some will be eligible for free oil or main gas central heating system and insulation.

This is open to owner occupiers or private tenants who have no central heating or use Economy 7 or solid fuel, and have an annual income of £12,000 or less for a single person or £18,000 or less for a couple or lone parent family.

As well as this, there must be someone in the house who is over the age of 60 or under the age of 16, or has a disability or a long-term health condition such as asthma, arthritis or diabetes.

Free cavity wall and loft insulation will also be offered to owner occupiers or private tenants who meet one of the following criteria.

Are single with an annual income of £12,000 or less; are a couple or lone parent family with an annual income of £18,000 or less; there is someone at home of any age who has a disability; there is someone at home with long-term health problems.

(PR/JM)