ENERGY efficiency is being promoted by Bexley Council as the best way for people to keep their homes warm during the cold winter months.

The council has teamed up with a variety of organisations to offer help and advice to people about how to save energy and cash and still keep warm.

Staying Put offers advice, grants and loans to older people, disabled residents and the vulnerable. Administered by the Care Partners Trust it can be contacted on 01322 559615.

The Warm Front scheme is a Government project working with councils and utility companies and offers grants-funded insulation and heating improvements for people on low incomes.

It is a means-tested scheme and residents can call 0800 316 6011 for details.

The Home Heat helpline provides free loft and cavity wall insulation to pensioners who receive pension credits. Call 0800 336 699 for more information.

Warm and Wise offers discounts to households able to pay for energy-efficiency measures supplied by local suppliers and contractors. Call 020 8683 6622 for details.

Insulation can save up to £140 a year on energy bills and a new boiler can knock 30 per cent off heating costs.

To get more information about the schemes, call the Thames and Central energy advice centre on 0800 512 012, which also does free home surveys.