Warm Front is a scheme funded by the Government and managed by Eaga, and it is tasked with ensuring that vulnerable residents and families homes are well insulated and centrally heated with energy saving benefits that reduce bills and CO2 emissions.

Over the last few years, I have visited a number of homes in the town which have been insulated by Eaga.

A lady who lives in Ashley Road contacted me recently to tell me that she has seen a reduction in her bills and her home is now much warmer.

These are the kind of success stories that Eaga are responsible for.

Warm front can offer grants of up to £2,700 to facilitate the installation, by approved contractors, of loft insulation and loft top ups, cavity wall insulation, energy efficient central heating systems and boiler replacement.

And now, households in South Shields who have had a Warm front grant in the past can now re-apply for further measures such as heating repairs, boiler replacements or loft insulation top-ups. This is great news.

Those who qualify for this scheme include over 60s, people with disabilities or long-term health and families with children under the age of 16 or expecting mums.

All applicants must own their own property or rent from a private landlord and be in receipt of particular benefits or pension or tax credits.

Only today, I have referred a mum to be to Eaga, and they have been able to assist her, I know that she is very grateful for the help that she is receiving.

If any readers are over 60 and own their own home and do not qualify for the Warm Front programme, help is still available.

I would urge anyone who thinks that the Warm Front scheme can help them to call Eaga on freephone 0800 316 0093 or log onto www.warmfront.co.uk.

So far the Warm Front Government-funded programme has helped 1.5 million households become warmer, healthier and more energy efficient since 2000.

If you qualify for this scheme, give them and ring and help bring down your energy bills.