FOREST of Dean Energy Efficiency Advice Centre and Severn Wye Energy Agency are looking for volunteer "energy champions" to help people stay warm this winter.

The energy champions will receive free training in energy saving and help with expenses in return for advising friends, neighbours and colleagues on saving energy in the home.

The energy efficiency training includes the option to gain a City and Guilds qualification, also free of charge. The energy champions will be supported by the Forest of Dean Energy Efficiency Advice Centre and will be able to refer people to Kim Carpenter, the energy advisor, for further help.

Kim Carpenter said: "The first training session for the energy champions will be held early in the New Year and places are still available so anyone interested should get in touch soon.

"The energy champions can really make a difference in the Forest by helping us to support the people who need us most."

The project will run in the Forest of Dean and Stroud areas with support from both district councils and is funded by a grant from National Energy Action (the national energy charity) made possible by funding from the MEB (Midlands Electricity) "Standards of Performance" energy efficiency programme.

It is hoped that this project will provide an example for other districts across the country that will be able to run similar projects.

Anyone interested in becoming an energy champion or learning more about what they can do to save energy should contact Kim Carpenter at the Forest of Dean Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512012 (freephone) or 01594 812273.