A SCHEME has been launched to encourage Burnley residents to use the sun for up to half their household's hot water needs, to save money on fuel bills, and reduce their carbon footprint.

Burnley council has teamed up with Eco-Heat to make grants of £1,000 available towards the cost of installing a solar water heating system, boosted by a government grant of £400.

The total cost to the householder is likely to be a much-reduced £1,200 but council officials are warning residents to act fast, as funding for the scheme is limited.

Mike Cook, Burnley Council's director of regeneration and housing, said: "We only have so much funding, so I urge residents not to miss out.

"We are trying to do our bit to help the environment, not only through ensuring that we recycle as much as we can and through ensuring new homes meet high environmental standards, but also through initiatives like this."

The Solar Saving Scheme builds on the programme called Switch on to Savings.

To find out more about the scheme contact Eco-Heat on 01422 843 414.