PEOPLE were encouraged to ‘save by switching’ last weekend.

As part of the Northern Echo’s Save by Switching campaign, the Hambleton and Richmondshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) invited their local community to find out more about switching energy providers.

On Saturday (November 30), trained advisors and volunteers were on hand to offer free and impartial advice to all who visited the CAB’s Northallerton office.

One elderly couple learned that they could save up to £265 by switching suppliers and were given clear advice as to how they could do so.

Another visitor, who had been with her supplier for 18 years, is now investigating her options online after being told she could save £164.

Bureau manager Carole Shreeve said: “Overall the event showed that people are aware of switching sites but haven’t done comparisons.

“Now they have been shown how easy it is, they say they will now go online and check for themselves.

“In some cases, there were minimal, if any savings to be made but people were pleased to know they were on already on the right tariff.”

The Hambleton and Richmondshire CAB will hold a similar event in January 2014 as part of the Big Energy Saving Week.

Anyone who would like advice in the mean time can contact the CAB on 01609-776551.