RECYCLED wood fuel is being sold to homeowners in Stroud to pilot a pioneering eco-scheme.

The briquettes, made from sawdust produced during furniture making in Leyhill Prison, can be used as a cheap and sustainable supplementary energy source.

A thousand bags of the fuel have been delivered and 12 households in Stroud are already taking advantage.

Debbie Hewitt, sustainable energy officer at Stroud District Council, said the briquettes could provide a clean, light and easy-to-use fuel supplement for hundreds of residents still dependent on coal fires, wood burners and solid fuel heating systems. "There are large parts of the district which are off the main gas supply and where often elderly households are struggling with the high cost of heating," she said.

"An increasing number of people are also returning to wood fires to reduce their reliance on gas, oil and electric."

The pilot, which is funded by Stroud Town Council and the SDC tenants’ and residents’ forum, could be rolled-out across the district if it is successful.

Briquettes are available for £2 a bag from the town council’s office in London Road.

Anyone interested must first call 01453 762817 to check availability.