A council is offering out free use of its new thermal imaging camera to help households identify if their home is leaking heat.

Walmer Town Council has purchased the professional equipment and now wants to helps residents save money.

Images taken will highlight where a property is leaking heat or lacking in insulation and draft proofing.

These will be shown via red ‘hot spots’ and are most commonly seen on the roof, walls, floors, doors and windows.

A council spokesman said: "Seeing this visually helps to identify areas that need attention either by adding insulation, draft-proof strips, replacement of failed double glazing units, adding secondary glazing or repairs to masonry work."

But, they advise, there could also be simple low cost solutions such as installing thermal blinds and curtains or draft proof strips around doors, windows, and letter boxes.

However an expert survey is advised before any works are undertaken.

They added: "Reducing heat loss saves you money, lowers energy use and reduces the carbon emissions responsible for climate change."

The best time for taking thermal images is on a cold, dry and dull day when the heating has been on for a few hours – so typically between November and April each year.