A new year freeze is expected in the New Forest with the launch of the Fridgesaver project.

New Forest council has teamed up with Southern Electric to offer modern energy-miser fridges to local residents.

The scheme plans to freeze-out the district's old and inefficient coolboxes, replacing them with new equipment which will save on electricity bills.

Home Energy conservation officer Mary Rainbow said: "The replacement appliances will be new Whirlpool models which will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. All the old fridges and freezers will be scrapped and harmful CFCs removed."

The project is aimed at Southern Electric customers in the New Forest, who are on benefits or whose only pension is from the state. Customers will pay £25 for a replacement fridge and £50 for a fridge-freezer.

Contact Fridgesavers on 0131-554 25 32.