SOUTHAMPTON has become more environmentally-friendly after more than £1m was spent making city homes more energy efficient.

Recent figures show city residents have spent £1.3m improving nearly 1,000 homes by adding extra housing insulation and repairing faulty heating systems.

The changes have saved thousands of pounds in energy bills and helped the environment by reducing carbon emissions.

The money has been made available under the Government funded Warm Front Scheme, which awards grants of up to £2,700 to help make homes warmer.

Under the scheme, energy saving measures such as draught proofing and loft, hot tank and cavity wall insulation are installed in homes.

Heating improvements are also made with inefficient gas, electric and oil central heating boilers replaced and repaired.

Dr Graham Watkinson, consultant in public health for Southampton City Primary Care Trust and Southampton Affordable Warmth Partnership, said: "Reaching the £1m mark is a great achievement. It means we are helping thousands of people in Southampton enjoy warmer, healthier lives.

"It's only by working together that we will ensure that Warm Front reaches as many people as possible. There is more funding available and I strongly encourage residents to find out if they are eligible for a Warm Front Grant."

Funding is available for people who receive certain benefits and either own their own home or rent from a private landlord.

Those likely to be eligible include the over-60s, families with young children and people who receive disability benefits.

If you would like to find out if you qualify for a grant, call the Warm Front free hotline on 0800 316 6007 (quoting reference MK858). Lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to midday Saturday.