The regional roadshows for a government scheme that pays people for the heat they generate for their homes kicks off this weekend.

Launched in April last year, the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) aims to help people install renewable heating systems in an effort to reduce their energy bills.

The technologies covered by the scheme include biomass heating systems, ground and water source heat pumps and solar thermal panels.

Members of the DECC team will be out and about at the roadshows, aiming to get the message out that renewable heat could be the smart way to take control of energy bills.

The RHI scheme is open to homeowners, social and private landlords as well as people who build their own homes. It is available to householders both on and off the gas grid.