A shop in Cornwall has joined a new major energy efficiency community scheme.

St Tudy Community store has become part of an initiative spearheaded by energy firm OVO and charity Plunkett Foundation.

Rolled out amid predictions of sub-zero temperatures this week, the scheme will reportedly share energy efficiency advice from OVO's experts with various village outlets across the UK.

The scheme will additionally distribute free radiator keys as part of a radiator key-sharing scheme.

Store manager at St Tudy Community Shop, Cornwall, Karen Roberts aged 53, said: "Our shop is a vital resource for the people in our community.

"By working with OVO to share crucial knowledge on energy efficiency, we'll help our customers to lower their energy bills.

"We help take care of the people we serve and I can’t think of a better way to support them this winter."

Combined savings of implementing OVO’s tips could see over £155 knocked off annual energy bills.

This comes as OVO’s study reveals that one fifth (19 per cent) of Brits have no idea how to bleed their radiators.

Meanwhile, a third (28 per cent) are afraid to try for fear of damaging their heaters.

Half (50 per cent) believe their communities would benefit from such an energy-saving initiative.

Individuals unaware of how to bleed their radiators simply need to ask their participating shopkeepers to borrow a free radiator key.

They will then be given advice on energy efficiency measures, including guidance on bleeding radiators.

Once finished, participants are encouraged to return the keys to their respective stores to allow other community members to also benefit.

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Gráinne Regan, head of heat at OVO, emphasised the importance of local corner shops in promoting such valuable knowledge and tools.

Referring to corner shops as "important pillars of communities", she believes these outlets hold the power to effectively disseminate vital information on energy efficiency to assist local residents in reducing their expenses this winter.

Echoing this sentiment, Claire Spendley of Plunkett Foundation acknowledged the key role played by community-owned shops in rural areas where access to information or tools to improve energy efficiency is often limited.

She spoke of her gratitude towards OVO for supporting their cause and remains hopeful that many will benefit from this new scheme.

OVO has also recently introduced a near £40m worth Customer Support Package offering financial assistance and free energy-saving products for the winter to vulnerable customers.