UP to 10,000 householders could get help to cut fuel bills this winter as the Scottish Government announces a £6 million insulation scheme.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the money would make homes "warmer and cheaper to heat".

But in a report last week, environmental charity WWF Scotland said more than £6 billion is needed to achieve Holyrood's commitment to end fuel poverty by 2016.

While it welcomed the news, WWF Scotland said £6m falls well short of what is required.

Ms Sturgeon said the funding would go to energy efficiency measures such as loft insulation and cavity-wall insulation, under the Universal Home Insulation Scheme.

In addition, from next month, up to 35,000 people will be able to get a £500 voucher to contribute towards the cost of making their home more energy efficient.

Ms Sturgeon said: "With temperatures dropping, households will be worrying about their winter energy bills.

"That is why we have ploughed £6m into providing up to 10,000 households with free insulation to make their homes warmer. This is the kind of help which can make a difference to those struggling to make ends meet."