A VISION to see every home in the North-East properly insulated by 2013 has been revealed.

Experts say poor or non-existent roof and wall insulation in thousands of homes across the region is adding to the problem of global warming.

The Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre, based in Billingham, Teesside, wants to see every home in the region correctly insulated within five years.

Director Steve Hunter said the region could make half its potential carbon emission reductions by making the improvements.

"We know there are 300,000 to 400,000 homes in the North-East without adequate insulation," he said. "Even if we do nothing else, we should make sure every house in the region is insulated."

If every house roof in the North-East was insulated to the recommended thickness of 270mm, nearly 130,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide would be cut and more then £15m would be saved on energy bills, it is claimed.

For the past 18 months, the centre has been running a pilot scheme helping people take action on climate change by offering advice on energy efficiency, renewable energy and transport.

The centre is one of three in the UK.

Mr Hunter said: "The only way this will work is if people know it's got to be done, why it needs to be done and that it can be done at a reasonable price.

"Climate change is with us now - the arguments are over and people accept it.

"We have to make carbon emission cuts now. If we do it in five or ten years' time, it's too late."

Installing adequate roof and wall insulation could lead to cuts in heating bills of 60 per cent, experts say.

Energy Saving Trust staff can give free impartial information on available grants and suitable contractors. Even householders and landlords not eligible for financial help should not pay more than £350 for cavity wall insulation, Mr Hunter said.

To speak to an advisor, call freephone 0800-512012, between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Alternatively, visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/northeast