26 older homes in Delph and Dobcross will benefit from an £835,000 upgrade scheme from First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO).

The association will install triple glazed windows and carry out loft and cavity wall insulation work at the 26 older homes in the villages. Other improvements include ventilation upgrades, new roofs, insulated doors and solar panels.

The retrofit programme is part of FCHO's commitment to upgrade all its homes by 2030 to ensure they have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C. An EPC rates the energy efficiency of a home.

FCHO's project manager for investment delivery Chris Goode believes the project will be completed by December. He said contractor Connolly will undertake internal and external work to the homes over the coming months.

"It is also the first time all FCHO homes on any estate have received retrofitted solar panels as we continue to offer more and more ways to make our homes greener, more energy efficient and cheaper to run," he said.