A WEEK after St Helens Council launched an insurance scheme for its tenants, it was already exceeding all expectations.

The low-cost weekly-paid home contents scheme has been introduced to help tenants who have difficulty in obtaining household insurance.

It also offers protection following cases of uninsured tenants being unable to claim after fires or burglaries in their homes.

So far, more than 760 tenants have joined the scheme.

All applicants were also entered in a draw to mark the launch of the scheme with five prizes of £100 worth of High Street shopping vouchers on offer.

These were won by Mrs E. Smith of Newton, Ms D. Ward of Blackbrook, Mr W. Roberts of Eccleston, Mrs M. Jaundrill of Billinge and Ms M. Gordon of Haydock.

Under the scheme, senior citizens can take out cover starting at £6,000 for 84p a week, and all other tenants can have cover starting at £9,000 for £1.44 a week.

Housing chief Councillor Alma Atherton said: "We are delighted with the take-up of the scheme which has already exceeded the targets set with applications still arriving. The council is delighted to offer this service to tenants which offers peace of mind at a reasonable rate."

Tenants can join the scheme by completing a proposal form available from the Home Contents Insurance Officer on (01744) 456362 or from local offices.