DROITWICH Spa residents are being offered money saving advice.

Tips ranging from discount energy schemes to low-cost recipes are being given out by a town-based housing association.

Festival Housing, which has an office at The Royal Exchange, Droitwich, has set up a 'Budget Champions’ group with some of its tenants to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

“This is a new programme developed by a team of Festival volunteers and staff. It aims to get messages out to anyone who needs advice and ideas about how to save money,” said Chris Reed, Festival’s volunteer co-ordinator.

“We are asking for tips about budgeting, money-saving and ways of boosting income and will be also providing on-going support for people who struggle to stick to a budget.”

The first action of the project has been to set up a Facebook page called 'Festival Budget Champions' which can be accessed by tenants as well as anyone interested in economising.

Mr Reed added: “The steering group are putting regular tips on the page and encouraging followers to post their own ideas. Anyone can follow the page - it's particularly aimed at people on a low income but we're hoping there will something for anyone who wants to make their cash go further.”

One of the group’s first posts was about how to access warm home discounts from energy suppliers and this has resulted in several people applying for the schemes.

There has also been discussion about where to shop to make money go further and future topics include furnishing a home on a budget; low cost recipes; optimum times to go into local supermarkets to pick up reduced items and best mobile phone deals.

Anyone can volunteer to work with the group and can suggest money-saving ideas.

For further information contact Chris Reed on 01684 579363 or at creed@festivalhousing.org