A CELEBRITY TV presenter was in Hampshire to launch an initiative that could save homeowners hundreds of pounds a year.

Former Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh helped to officially kickstart the Solent Green Deal at an event in Eastleigh.

The initiative is being run by Southampton City Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council to improve homes’ energy efficiency.

Council chiefs hope the scheme will help people in Hampshire save money by cutting down on their energy bills.

The Solent scheme utilises funding from the Government’s Green Deal, which offers loans for residents to make homes more energy efficient.

The loans can then be repaid through payment of energy bills.

Scheme organisers say the Green Deal can save residents up to £800 a year, which can be broken down to savings of £175 through loft insulation, £500 through wall insulation and £300 through replacing your boiler.

It also doesn’t involve any upfront spending by households with the costs paid over a maximum of 25 years through energy bills.

Tommy launched the initiative at an event at a specially-fitted home at Atlantic Park View in Eastleigh which has been converted to show the potential benefits of the scheme.

Tommy said: “I am honoured to launch the Solent Green Deal which is a great way for people across Hampshire to get the best out of the government initiative to make home improvements, increase energy efficiency and ultimately save money.

“There are so many things people can do to reduce the cost of their bills and keep their homes warmer such as draught proofing, replacing light bulbs and half filling the kettle.

“I want to raise awareness of the Green Deal so everyone can benefit and it’s great that Hampshire have launched their own scheme to make it easier for people to get involved.”

To find out more, visit solentgreendeal.org.uk or call 0800 0522242.