UP to 200 renewable free heating systems are on offer to help people stay warm in parts of rural North Yorkshire.

People with inefficient systems including storage heaters and solid fuel heating in Hambleton, Richmondshire, Ryedale and Scarborough could be eligible for the help. The aim is to improve efficiency and reduce heating bills.

At the heart of the system is an air source heat pump, providing more than three times the heat for each unit of electricity used to power it. The scheme is targeting properties that do not have an existing gas, oil or LPG central heating system.

Hambleton Cllr Stephen Watson, portfolio holder for Environmental Health said: "This new renewable heating scheme gives our more vulnerable residents the opportunity to upgrade their homes to the latest low carbon heating technology for free. The scheme sees heat delivered into the home via new radiators and hot water system."

Go to www.ce-cic.org.uk/north-yorkshire-heat-pump-project