THOUSANDS of families are set to benefit from warmer homes after Bradford Council signed up to a new "green" home improvement scheme.

The Council today agreed to club together with other authorities across the Leeds City Region in the deal, which could eventually mean 450,000 homes get eco-friendly improvements such as wall or loft insulation.

One contractor will get the endorsement of all participating local authorities in return for meeting targets for the minimum number of homes to be improved.

But most homeowners will have to meet part of the cost themselves.

Councillor Andrew Thornton (Lab), executive member for the environment, said: "Bradford has an excellent track record in developing schemes that help residents insulate their homes and reduce their energy bills."