SIX 'eco homes' in the Chepstow area will invite visitors to see how they reduce their enegy use and bills.

More than £10,000 has been awarded to Monmouthshire community climate champions to hold an eco weekend on March 17 and 18.

It is hoped that in addition the six homes already signed up in Chepstow and five in Monmouth, a total of up to 30 homes and businessses will be open throughout the county.

All the buildings have some "eco" features such as low-energy lighting, renewable energy or rainwater harvesting.

Visitors will be able to see how the technologies work and ask questions about issues such as cost and installation.

The Community Climate Champions is a partnership between Monmouthshire County Council, local Transition Towns groups, local Friends of the Earth groups, town and community councils, Severn Wye Energy Agency and others.

If your home has features you think people would be interested in, contact co-ordinator Sue Parknson on 01989 770828 or e-mail sueparkinson@ phonecoop.coop.

The £10,000 grant came from a UK government grant scheme called LEAF (Low Energy Assessment Fund) and is one of only nine projects in Wales to be funded.