AS temperatures soar across the county it is not just the sun that will be heating up homes.

Vale of White Horse District Council has been awarded more than £81,000 to help keep homes in the district warm once the sun decides to hibernate once more.

The council is part of a project involving seven other local authorities that worked together to secure more than half a million pounds from the government to help residents make their homes more energy efficient.

Grants of up to £3,000 per household were handed out to residents who needed help to pay their energy bills and keep their house at a warm temperature.

The cash goes towards things like replacement boilers, cavity wall insulation and new external doors.

Leader of the council, Matthew Barber, said: "This funding really makes a long-term difference for people who struggle to keep their home warm.

"By improving things like insulation, their energy bills come down and their house is much easier to heat.

"We managed to secure the second highest amount of funding just behind our neighbours in South Oxfordshire, so this money will really make a difference to people facing a difficult winter."

According to the latest government statistics, eight per cent of households in the district were in fuel poverty in 2014, meaning that their fuel costs were higher than average and would leave residents below the poverty line if they paid them.

Anyone who needs advice on saving energy and cutting their energy bills can contact the Affordable Warmth Helpline on 0800 107 0044 or email at awn@nef.org.uk