Thousands of people in Stoke-on-Trent will benefit from a new scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has linked up with British Gas and several major charities to deliver benefits of up to �2,000 per household.

The aim is to create warmer homes and also ensure that people get the benefit payments they are entitled to.

About �500,000 has been earmarked for the Hollybush, Holden Lane and Hanford areas of the city as part of the Here to Help campaign.

People with disabilities, the elderly and families on low incomes will all benefit from the cash.

Phil Brundrett, Maintenance Strategy Officer for the council, said: "We are pleased to be working with British Gas on this exciting project.

"It is the first for the council on such a large scale and will make a real difference.

"We are looking forward to the benefits this will bring to thousands of our residents."