A display aimed at raising awareness of the effects on health of cold and damp housing attracted more than 100 people.

The exhibition, in Thirsk, was staged by Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust (PCT), in conjunction with National Energy Action and Staywarm.

The idea was to highlight to the public and health professionals what grants and assistance are available to help tackle fuel poverty.

PCT fuel champion Fiona Hewison and Irene Newbould, of Powergen's Staywarm initiative, manned a stand in the post office offering advice and information to customers.

Advice included helping to make homes cosier using Government grants, paying a fixed low price for gas and electricity and handing out copies of the winter guide Keep Warm, Keep Well.

"When people realised that we were not selling anything but trying to ensure they had warm homes to keep them healthy, we were giving out information like hot cakes," said Ms Hewison.

The pair now hope to extend their method of spreading information to people who otherwise would not know what assistance was available.

They are looking at taking the display to help people in Richmond and Northallerton.