Keep warm and save money

That's the message from Age Concern in Bury who have come up with a few energy saving tips in a special energy pack designed for the borough's elderly.

Hints include:

Not setting the immersion heater thermostat too high; 60 degrees Celsius is ideal.

Replacing washers on dripping taps in just one day enough hot water to fill a bath could be drained away!

Use kettles, they are more efficient than pans

Adjust the flame on gas hobs so it just reaches the edge of the pan

Install low energy lights in rooms used regularly.

Always use the television's on/off switch rather than stand-by as this wastes energy.

Mrs Beryl Pilkington, chief officer at Age Concern Metro Bury, said: "Vast savings can be made by being on the ball when it comes energy efficiency. After all, we are protecting our pennies but also the environment."

A free mini jug kettle and two free low energy light bulbs will be given to new customers for a limited period.

Age Concern also offers a gas and electricity package, which has been tailored specifically to meet the needs of older people.

For further details on Age Concern's energy package call into the Advice and Information Office on The Rock or telephone 0161 761 5895.