TENANTS and householders are being offered home insurance through a new partnership.

Bury Council and the Royal and Sun Alliance have set up the scheme which also offers discounts for senior citizens and those living in sheltered accommodation.

All areas of the borough will be insured at the same rate, meaning that no districts are classed as uninsurable.

The scheme is open to all, not just council tenants. It offers full contents cover and various payment options, which can be made at a local post office.

Councillor John Smith, housing spokesman, said 100 residents had already signed up and he was sure that many more would follow.

"Some people, particularly the elderly, are frightened of taking out insurance because of the high cost," he said. "As a result, they are left feeling vulnerable and in many cases prisoners in their own homes, too scared to go out in case something should happen.

"Hopefully this scheme will change all that. And, because it is open to all residents in the borough, no-one is excluded from taking advantage of it."

For details, phone the Royal and Sun Alliance on 08457 700970 or pick up a form at Bury Town Hall or at the council office in Whittaker Street, Radcliffe.