PEOPLE in East Lancashire who use oil to keep their home warm have been advised to dodge the annual winter rush.

Around 13,000 rural households across the county use oil and have been told to take advantage of the current low prices ahead of the winter months.

Malcolm Farrow of OFTEC, the trade body for oil central heating industry, said: “The unseasonably warm September weather might mean that a lot of people haven’t started thinking about their central heating yet, but now is the crucial time of year to get your system serviced and to stock up on oil.

“This involves asking an OFTEC registered technician to service your boiler and check the oil tank is in good condition to help prevent any breakdowns when the heating is turned on again.

“You should also shop around for a good price before the winter rush when prices can be higher.

“Oil is the only central heating fuel to come down in price in the last three years.”

For more information visit www.oftec.org.uk or www.oilsave.org.uk