A NEW recruit has joined Stockton's battle against fuel poverty.

Jane Hyman, 31, has been appointed information officer for Stockton's Warm Zone project, which is a Government initiative, in conjunction with Transco and Stockton Borough Council, to reduce fuel poverty in the area by 80 per cent in three years.

It provides benefits advice, carries out energy efficiency surveys and installs central heating and insulation.

Fuel poverty is where more than ten per cent of a household income is spent trying to keep warm.

Ms Hyman, of Darlington, will collect information about an estimated 13,000 fuel-poor homes in the Stockton area and will keep track of the project's success.

She said: "I have spent my entire career in the health service so this is a real departure for me. I am really looking forward to the challenge.