A TOURING advice centre encouraging people to apply for heating grants will be in the area this week.

The Warm Front bus will be in Barnard Castle and Darlington as part of a national tour.

Staff on the bus will be giving advice to people about claiming Government grants for the installation of home heating and insulation.

People can apply for up to £2,500 to help insulate their homes and install efficient heating to help reduce their heating bills.

A spokesman said: "The Warm Front bus is designed to make sure that we reach the most vulnerable people in society, who often can't afford huge heating bills, and encourage them to claim."

The bus will be in the Safeway car park, Barnard Castle, from 9.30am to 3.30pm tomorrow, and in Darlington Market Place from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Friday.

Anyone unable to attend can contact 0800 3162810 for more advice.