A council is warning residents and tenants to beware of bogus callers making doorstep offers of free insulation.

Chester-le-Street District Council, in partnership with Scottish Power, operates an insulation scheme offering a grant of up to £450, plus VAT, towards cavity wall and loft insulation.

The scheme operates under the banner of Warm & Healthy Homes, or the COSY scheme.

Private residents, including those living in rented accommodation, aged 60 and over, or who have children aged five and under, will qualify for the scheme.

It operates in association with three contractors, NR Insulation Services, Grosvenor Insulation and Miller Pattison.

Surveyors for the three companies are operating in the district area, and are likely to call at private properties.

Callers from these legitimate surveyors will have with them positive identification, as well as an official letter from the council.

Only letters on full-colour council letterheads are genuine, and it is vital that residents ask for positive identification.

People uncertain of a door-knocker's identity, should refuse them entry to their house, and contact the council about the validity of the scheme.

Anyone interested in taking advantage of the opportunities of Warm and Healthy Homes, or the COSY scheme, or seeking to verify the identity of a canvasser, should call the council's freephone number, on 0800-096 4586.