FAMILIES are being encouraged to save on their energy bills during a particularly financially difficult winter.

Citizens Advice Copeland has joined the Big Energy Saving Winter campaign, encouraging families to save on their bills.

A spokesperson for Citizens Advice Copeland said: "Last year Big Energy Saving Winter helped households across England and Wales save over £1.2million on their energy bills."

Families are being asked to "take small steps and make big savings this winter."

A key piece of the national campaign's advice is to save on heating by setting a timer on your central heating system so that it comes on only when needed. A spokesperson for the campaign said: "If you turn down your main thermostat by 1 degree, you can save around £60 on your energy bill."

For more information, visit: bigenergysavingwinter.org.uk/