A CHARITY that funds community projects in Sedgefield is on a mission to cut residents’ fuel bills.

Sedgefield Development Trust, a not for profit organisation, is working with the Belgian company iChoosr to introduce a collective switching scheme.

It works by compiling a list of people who feel their gas and electricity bills are too high.

This list in then put out to tender and gas and electricity companies can bid for the contract.

It has already proved successful in other areas, including Greater Manchester, and is particularly popular with older people who don't have access to the internet and price comparison websites.

Trust chairman Roger Clubley said: “Sedgefield may not have as big a problem as some areas but there are people struggling. There are a lot of elderly people here and, if this can help everyone get a better deal, it should definitely be explored.”

Launched in 2001, Sedgefield Development Trust is committed to improving life for residents and ploughs all surplus profits from its newsletter, Sedgefield News, back into the community.

Past projects include a youth drop-in centre and a first responders group.

Members now run Days In, Days Out (DIDO), a scheme that organises trips for senior citizens, and are working to revive the town’s farmers’ market.

The trust is always looking for new members and is holding a meeting at Ceddesfeld Hall at 8pm on Monday (January 13) for residents to find out more about the organisation and the collective switching scheme.

For further details contact Mr Clubley on 01740-620609.