Draught-proofing is one of the most affordable and effective methods of improving a home's flue accessories, a specialist has suggested.

The method will cut out all of the gaps in the doors and windows of homes, while making houses appear more attractive for people who are visiting, a representative from the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) has argued.

Andrew Leech, executive director of the NHIC, said: "Anything you can do in a property to save energy, to make it look good and to generally improve its wellbeing is ideal."

People should be considering maintaining their homes because of the upcoming Green Deal, which will lay down certain regulations for homeowners, Mr Leech believes.

His remarks follow a report by the Haverhill Echo, which revealed that grants of over £9,000 have been allocated for heating improvements at Sawston Cinema.

Among these will be the installation of a new boiler.