RYEDALE Citizens Advice Bureau is running a special initiative to help older people prepare for winter.

The CAB, based next to Malton railway station, is offering two sessions in November offering advice to senior citizens on how to save energy, cut their bills and get all the support they are entitled to.

A spokesperson for the service said: "Many older people do not have access to on-line support and do not fully understand how to get the best financial deals available to the.

"We are inviting older people to check their energy bills and to ensure they are on the correct tariff and to understand their energy usage.

They added: "We will also assist with changing suppliers in order to help consumers save money. Even if you have energy debts or have a pre-pay meter we may be able to help you to save money. By taking action to check, switch and insulate, consumers could make savings on their energy bills."

Appointments will be offered with trained advisors to help address the problems people can face keeping their homes warm and managing the cost of paying bills,

" If you have difficulty in paying bills or have any financial worries we can offer support and help," the spokesperson said.

"This is the first time Ryedale CAB has held an event of this kind and places are limited to 36. If the event is oversubscribed we will be running this again later in the year. "

The sessions will be held on Tuesday, 4 and Thursday, November 6.

Other organisations in the area to be on hand to offer further help and advice, including Ryedale District Council and Ryecare.

Each client will be entered into a draw for a Christmas Hamper to be drawn in December.

To make an appointment or for further information phone 01653 695542.