NEEDY families could be in for a boost under a programme which could see up to £1.2 million invested in homes in the Blandford area.

Surveys are being carried out on 800 Signpost Housing properties to check out whether they have maximum energy efficiency.

Loft insulation will be installed or upgraded, cavity wall insulation and low energy light-bulbs installed at no cost to the tenants.

People will be advised of fuel discounts and cold weather payments and old fridges and freezers replaced by newer, high efficiency, power-saving models.

In addition, benefits checks will be carried out to make sure residents are claiming their entitlements.

Safety and security checks will be carried out and debt counselling will also be available.

Nationwide organisations such as Help the Aged, Scope, Save the Children, the Family Welfare Association and the National Debt Line are also offering their expertise.

The cost of the package - called Here to Help - will be met by British Gas which designed the scheme and Signpost Housing.

Signpost senior surveyor Darren Mealings said: "The scheme will be of real benefit to our residents.

"It seems a bit ironic with this heatwave but it's basically a scheme to take up energy efficiency measures and it's at no cost to the tenants.

"If they have got say, 100mls of loft insulation we will top it up to 250mls and if there is no cavity wall insulation we will put it in.

"The residents will see a saving on their fuel bills. It increases the thermal comfort for our tenants and helps us achieve decent housing standards.

Jean Parbrook, community energy adviser for British Gas, said: "We are delighted that Signpost Housing Association have come on board to join us in our fight against household poverty.

"Here to Help is a unique project because it brings together private, public and voluntary sectors and we are sure it will bring many benefits to households."