OLDER people in Worcester are being given hot tips to save fuel.

Age Concern is urging the elderly to keep immersion heater thermostats below 60 degrees, replace washers on dripping taps and switch water heaters off before taking long holidays.

In the kitchen, fridges should be kept away from cookers, heaters and direct sunlight, cooked food should be cooled before being refrigerated, kettles rather than pans used to boil water, electric kettles de-scaled regularly and full loads placed in the washing machine at the lowest recommended temperature.

It also urges householders to install low-energy light bulbs and use the lowest possible wattage and switch TVs off at the plug, rather than leaving them on standby.

"Vast savings can be made by being on the ball when it comes to saving energy - after all we are not only saving our pennies but also protecting the environment too," said Lynne Mathews of Age Concern Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The office in Sansome Street, Worcester, is offering free mini jug kettles and low-energy light bulbs to anyone who subscribes to its gas and electricity package, complete with extra cold weather payments.