AN environmental campaigner has won a national award for his contribution to tackling fuel poverty.

Dennis Reeves, of Middlesbrough Environment City was awarded the title of Heat Hero by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, whose awards aim to recognise those who have helped people in their community who are struggling to keep warm in their homes.

His efforts have helped people across the region to access free cavity wall and loft insulation, and he has also arranged boiler repairs and granted replacement boilers for the most venerable residents.

He said: “I am thrilled to be named a Heat Hero. The work my colleagues and I do to help people in the local community to stay warm in their homes is vitally important and it’s fantastic that we’ve received recognition for our hard work.”

Mr Reeves has also trained a large number of frontline workers to give advice and support to vulnerable energy consumers across Middlesbrough including the elderly and people suffering from mental health issues.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said: “I am delighted that we have people like Dennis working to help vulnerable people in Middlesbrough.

“As well as reducing energy bills and helping people feel warmer in their homes, Dennis’s work has helped improve the health of residents by reducing their risk of illnesses caused by living in cold, damp homes.”