The middle of the summer holidays may not be a time when most people are thinking about insulating their homes for the winter.

But Manchester residents are being urged to make hay while the sun shines – and plan ahead by taking advantage of free and discounted schemes on offer.

Residents are being urged to apply to see if their property is eligible for free cavity wall or loft insulation, which could see them saving hundreds a year from their energy bills.

The offer is being made as part of the Get Me Toasty campaign, which is managed by the Greater Manchester Energy Advice Service and is running in nine Greater Manchester boroughs including Manchester.

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Although most people would choose to have their homes assessed during the autumn and winter months, August is one of the best months to have this work done.

The industry is quieter during the summer months and so anyone applying now will be getting in first and will be unlikely to experience any delays for assessment and installation.

Residents may also find it more convenient to have assessments made in August if they are at home with the children for the school holidays, while getting the work done this early in the year will mean they can maximise their energy savings by ensuring the work is done before the weather gets colder.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council's executive member for the environment, said: "Our weather has become very unpredictable and so while the sun may be shining now we could easier be plunged into much colder temperatures in a few months' time.

"Making sure your house is insulated for the winter will be the furthest thing from most people's minds but now is the best time for residents to get in touch with the advice service and find out whether they're eligible."

(CD/JP)