One elderly resident in Bolton has suffered from fuel poverty and now has to sleep downstairs in her home.

Seventy-two year-old Mrs Jones was found to be living in poor heating conditions in a new report, which discovered that one in three elderly people in the town are struggling in similar circumstances, reports the Bolton News.

To tackle the issue, the local council is set to launch Home Solutions, a project that aims to boost housing services and help people remain in their properties.

Commenting on the news, Gareth Evans from Age Concern Bolton told the newspaper: "It is a very exciting and imaginative scheme because sometimes people do not know what is available to them, and not know they are eligible for help."

Elsewhere, Stockton Council is also looking to reduce fuel poverty by introducing its Warm Homes, Healthy People project.

The scheme aims to improve heating for residents over the age of 75 and will gain assistance from Broadacres Home Improvement Agency among other local partners.