Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin are once again able to offer 100 free and impartial home energy checks for the over 60s, having secured funding to cover the cost for the third year in a row.

The combination of cold weather and rising fuel costs represents significant cause for concern for many older people, who already worry about their ability to pay their energy bills. This can seriously impact both their physical and mental health and well-being, especially during the long winter months.

Heather Osborne, chief executive of Age UK STW, said: “It is a sad but real fact that there are many older people in our community who live in poorly insulated houses, who struggle to keep warm and who desperately need some assistance.

"Together with Marches Energy Agency, a reliable, trusted local company, we are working hard to help people reduce fuel bills wherever possible and an energy check is the first step to achieving this.’

The energy checks have, once again, proved popular this year; a number of appointments are still available but they need to be booked and undertaken no later than March 31, so if you would like a free Home Energy Check, please call Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin on 01743 233123.