A community bank in County Durham is offering pensioners advice on their energy bills and how to switch supplier or get a fuel grant.

Prince Bishops Community Bank claims it has already saved hundreds of pensioners in the county more than £100,000.

The scheme is run in partnership with housing provider Derwentside Homes and energy advice specialist Tadea.

Vicky McCourt, New Business Development Manager at Derwentside Homes said: “Fuel poverty is a major issue in England with around 2.2 million households spending more than 10% of their income to adequately heat their home.”

She added: “There are thousands more people out there who could benefit and we are urging anyone to get in touch and book a home visit as soon as possible.”