A £1m scheme aimed to help vulnerable residents heat their homes more efficiently this winter has been launched in Lancashire.

The 'Affordable Warmth Lancashire' fund has been developed as part of a wider package of support to help residents with the cost of living.

Lancashire County Council is making funding available to district councils to what it says is to 'deliver high impact affordable warmth interventions, including servicing, repairing and replacing boilers and heating systems, together with loft and cavity wall insulation, and glazing improvements'.

Cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, Michael Green said: "I am pleased that we are making this funding available to Lancashire residents, via our twelve district councils.

"Cold damp homes, particularly in winter, have numerous direct and indirect impacts on people's health and consequently on health and social care services.

"Being on a low income, living in a thermally inefficient home, having higher heating needs and high fuel costs can all increase the likelihood of living in a cold home.

"Ultimately, the Affordable Warmth Lancashire fund aims to reduce levels of ill health over the winter months and improve people's wellbeing through affordable warmth interventions.

"In turn, this should lead to a reduction in hospital admissions and demand for health and social care services.

"Low income households will be eligible for this funding from Lancashire County Council if they meet at least one of a wide range of health vulnerabilities.

"If you think you may be eligible, please get in touch with your local district council."