Dramatic rise in fuel poverty across the region

There is a warning that thousands of people across the region will be unable to afford their heating bills this winter after a dramatic rise in fuel poverty.

The charity National Energy Action says half a million people will struggle to keep their homes warm and are calling for more to be done to help those affected.

Being in fuel poverty means being unable to afford to adequately heat a home either due to high energy prices and not enough income or an energy inefficient home.

The Bray's have four children and have struggled to heat their home in St Austell for the last four winters.

National Energy Action's new campaign reveals how families in fuel poverty face an income shortfall of more than £9,3009 a year to cover basic essentials including energy.

This winter the Bray's housing association have stepped in to help.

In the South West:

Many people in fuel poverty are reluctant to seek help.

Ellie from Truro spoke to us about living in fuel poverty last winter. Ellie now has new gas central heating thanks to the Winter Wellbeing scheme.

Whether you use gas, oil, electricity, coal or wood to heat your home, keeping out the cold can be costly both financially and physically.

Here are five tips to help you keep warm this winter from National Energy Action:

Watch the full report below: