Innovative plans to warm a Redditch swimming pool with heat sourced from a local crematorium has been supported by the House of Commons.

Sir George Young, leader of the House of Commons, lauded the scheme, describing it as "groundbreaking" and announced that he is exploring whether similar projects could be conducted in other areas of the UK.

He explained: "The Department of Energy and Climate Change will shortly be publishing its heat strategy and this will explore the potential for better recovery and reuse of wasted heat in schemes such as this one."

Demonstrating his backing of the project, Sir George added that he would "die a happier man" if the plans were put in place.

Elsewhere in the heating market, British Gas has announced that it will offer a £50 incentive to people who refer vulnerable residents to the company's free loft and cavity wall insulation.

It has made the move in an effort to improve living standards for elderly and disabled homeowners in the country.