AN 82-year-old Gunnislake lady has enjoyed a cosy Christmas and is looking forward to a warm 2014 after receiving a free new gas boiler and becoming the 250th recipient of the benefits of the Glow Cornwall scheme.

Delighted Viva Hamnell said her new heating 'works a treat' and is especially relieved that she no longer has to go out several times a day to bring in coal and wood to keep the fire going in her main living room while the rest of the house stayed cold due to the inefficient heating system.

The Glow Cornwall scheme enables eligible residents throughout Cornwall to benefit from funded and part-funded energy efficiency measures, including hard to treat cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation, new 'A-rated' boilers, and boiler repairs to help make their homes more efficient and reduce their energy consumption.

The pensioner's 350-year-old farmhouse had a 20-year-old boiler that made lots of noise and ran through gas at a 'horrific rate' according to Ms Hamnell. Within three weeks of contacting Glow Cornwall, not only had Ms Hamnell's house been surveyed, but she had a new boiler installed.

The new system did not cost Ms Hamnell a penny as she was eligible for the Glow Cornwall scheme due to her age and personal circumstances. 

Viva said: 'If you have an inefficient system that's expensive, you just can't afford to use it especially in the winter. 

'Now I can have my new heating on in every room without worry.  I can turn it up and down immediately as the weather changes so it couldn't be better.

'It's made such a difference and I'm really grateful to Cornwall Council for making this possible.'

Cllr Julian German, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for economy and culture, was responsible for developing the policy framework that ensured the delivery of the Glow Cornwall initiative. 

Cllr German said: 'It's great to hear that people like Viva are getting the help they need — with this work in her home, we have reached the milestone 250th install.

'Cornwall Council is fighting fuel poverty hard, ensuring that together we're doing all we can to help those who may be vulnerable in some way and may be struggling with their bills.

'I really cannot stress how important it is for people of all ages and backgrounds to contact Glow Cornwall to check their eligibility, especially now the weather is colder.  Most people can get these improvements at no cost.'

Cornish residents should visit http://www.glowcornwall.co.uk">www.glowcornwall.co.uk or call 0800 3164425 for more information.