A PENSIONER was visited by MP Ashok Kumar as part of a national winter heating campaign.

Isabelle Rammell applied successfully for a Government-funded energy efficiency grant through the Warm Front scheme, which has funded the installation of gas central heating, loft insulation and draughtproofing in her home.

She invited the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP to show him at first hand the benefits of the grant, which also provides energy-saving light bulbs to applicants.

Dr Kumar said: "Fuel poverty in Middlesbrough and East Cleveland should be a think of the past, yet some of our friends, families and neighbours spend every winter struggling to heat their homes of worrying about high fuel bills.

"Energy efficiency measures can mean the difference between a cold, damp home and one that is cosy and affordable to heat.

"I would encourage all local residents to investigate a Warm Front grant."

For information about how to apply, call (0800) 9520600.