SPECIAL roadshows will offer help and advice to give Blackburn with Darwen residents support about paying the fuel and energy costs this winter.

They will take place on Thursday November 30 to put the spotlight on rising gas and electricity bills and increasing cost of living.

The council-run advice sessions will be at Darwen Market from 9.30am to 12pm and at Blackburn Market from 1pm to 4pm.

Anyone who needs advice or help with their fuel and energy bills is welcome to drop in and chat to advisors.

They don’t need to be claiming benefits as the sessions are aimed at all people who need some extra help with heating their homes or with any heating and energy supplier issues as well as financial and safety advice.

They coincide with Fuel Poverty Awareness Day which is run by National Energy Action and is supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Cllr Damian Talbot, the authority's public health boss, said: "Keeping people warm and healthy during winter is crucial and we are doing everything we can to help people through the winter months.

"We know that fuel and energy bills are still high and people are still struggling with the rising costs, meaning more people than ever could need support with affordable heating – and this is what these sessions are about.

"I hope anyone who needs any advice or support will come along if they can and have a chat with our advisors to see what help they can get.”