AS British households prepare to face the cold winter, new research reveals 3,000 households in Tiverton and Honiton are eligible for assistance from their energy supplier with heating their homes.

The findings from Home Heat Helpline show that a total of 3.6 million households across Great Britain qualify for help.

Eight percent of homes in Tiverton and Honiton are entitled to relief from energy companies this year.

Households that qualify include low income pensioners, disadvantaged families with children or those with a disability, or any household that lives in one of the most deprived areas in the country.

Neil Parish MP, who has long campaigned for affordable energy, said: “Forecasters are predicting a cold winter ahead, and many people who are elderly or on low incomes may not know where to turn for help and advice on keeping their homes warm.

“Devon is the fifth 'oldest' county in England with an average age of 45 and a growing number of the 75 and older age group. This coupled with the fact that average wages lower than the rest of the country I believe that the best way for people in Devon to prepare is to act now, and call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to see if they're eligible for assistance.”