Rural communities across Northumberland and Durham are set to benefit from a pioneering new initiative to reduce energy costs and combat climate change.

The Climate Action in Rural North East (CAIRN) project, launched on 18th November, offers tailored support to help small communities take control of their energy usage and create a greener future.

Durham Community Action (DCA) and the Rural Design Centre (RDC) are working with Durham University (DU), Durham County Council, Point North, Insights North East and Newcastle University (NU) to develop a Community Research Network in rural County Durham. 

This is as part of UK Research and Innovation's national Community Research Network programme.