FUEL poverty will be top of the agenda when Chester-le-Street Civic Centre hosts an energy advise clinic later this month.

The town's district council and Tees and Durham Energy Efficiency Advice Centre have joined forces to provide the talking shop.

Experienced energy efficiency advisors will be on hand to give free advice and help people save money by answering questions about fuel suppliers or the best fuel tariff to suit your needs.

They will also help with grants advice and who qualifies for them. A spokesman for the advice centre said: "In most cases they will take applications and pass them to the relevant scheme manager.

"If there isn't a suitable one for you there are discount schemes which may be available. The team can also help those who are in fuel debt. Our advisor is there to help. Ask the question and he will try and find you an answer."

The free clinic will be held at the civic centre on Friday, January 25, from 10am to 2.30pm. If you cannot make it, you are asked to call the centre on 0800 512012, 9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, or 9am to 3.30pm Friday.