A £5M FUEL fuel poverty scheme has been launched in Middlesbrough with more than 1,100 homes likely to benefit.

Fuel effiency measures designed to lower energy bills by up to £750 a year for each house will be installed in properties across the town's Gresham area.

As part of the GoWarm Gresham project, each property - includingmany previously set for demolition - will receive a combination of free measures.

Those could include external wall or cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, boiler replacements, new heating systems and controls and draught proofing.

The project is being funded primarily by E.ON via the Government-backed Community Energy Saving Programme, which targets households in areas of low income to improve energy efficiency standards and reduce fuel bills. An additional £300,000 is also being provided by Middlesbrough Council.

A previous £3.9m scheme in Stockton earlier this year was lauded as a success and the Tyne and Wear company is assessing homes in the Redcar and Cleveland council area.

Karen Hindhaugh, director of GoWarm, said: "It is essential that innovative and forward-thinking councils concentrate their efforts on fighting fuel poverty in their wards.

"This, in turn, will promote a reduction of carbon emissions from their borough and lead to residents benefiting from homes with increased energy efficiency."