FREE energy advice sessions are being held across Middlesbrough to benefit local residents.

Middlesbrough Environment City (MEC) will be working in partnership with Cleveland Fire Brigade and CSV-RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Programme) to deliver energy saving advice sessions throughout January, February and March.

The Big Energy Saving Network is an opportunity for people to find out how to reduce energy costs - and they’ll also qualify for a free energy saving information bag.

Dennis Reeves, MEC warmer homes project officer, said: “The focus of the scheme is on supporting vulnerable consumers and the public at large to understand how they can save money by switching, be more energy-efficient and ensure they can access all the support available to help them manage their energy bills.

“It’s part of a co-ordinated series of events across the UK, and I would urge as many people as possible to take part and find out how they can keep warm and save money at the same time.”

The Department of Energy and Climate Change funded initiative is also supporting eligible organisations and community groups to take action on power company tariffs, switching as well as taking up fully funded energy efficiency measures.

The informal sessions will be held mainly in the five local community hubs at Thorntree, Grove Hill, Easterside, North Ormesby and Newport Settlement, with alternative venues used depending on demand.

Sessions will last between one and two hours and refreshments will be provided.

Anyone wanting to attend a session is urged to call Middlesbrough Environment City on 01642-243183 for information.

People are asked to bring their latest energy bills to the sessions if possible.