Dozens of areas in Bolton have been identified as "energy crisis hotspots" in a new study.

Environmental campaigning charity Friends of the Earth have released a study that claim 79,128 households in the borough do not meet adequate energy efficiency ratings.

The research highlights what the organisation has dubbed "energy crisis hotspots", defined as places where "below average incomes meet high fuel bills".

In Bolton, 73 areas have have been described as "energy crisis hotspots", a total which is only second to Manchester in Greater Manchester.

Across the borough, there are 29,800 houses requiring cavity wall insulation while 23,500 lack adequate loft insulation.

Freezing cold temperatures in recent weeks also emphasised the need for quality heating as the average fuel bill in Bolton stands at £2,430 a year.

A Friends of the Earth's Manchester branch spokesperson said: “Too many people are facing the impossible choice between eating and heating again this year – and off the back of record-busting profits for the companies fuelling the energy and climate crises - with rising rents, food prices and travel costs adding to the financial pressures felt by many.”

The organisation united in late November to launch a campaign to demand warm homes across Greater Manchester and is calling for political support.

Kearsley Labour Cllr Debbie Newall said are “pockets in Kearsley that are of concern to us".

She said: "It's horrendous that the prices that we're having to pay to keep warm and people are having to make these choices.

"It's shocking, but you can't talk about this thing and not be political.

“You have to lay the blame for fuel poverty firmly where it belongs and it's 13 years of this government that's brought this country to the state that it’s in.”

Friends of the Earth estimate that it would cost in between £1,300 to £2,500 per house to update it to adequate energy efficiency rating standards.

The charity guess that across England and Wales this would cost between £15bn and £25bn.

The organisation wants to start the project using a levy on energy profits.

Minister for Energy Consumers and Affordability Amanda Solloway has previously said: “We want everyone to be able to take easy steps this winter to save money on their energy bills.

"By following tips such as reducing boiler flow temperature, or washing clothes at a lower temperature, families could save at least £100 a year.

“And our Warm Home Discount will mean that over three million households receive more targeted support to help with the cost of energy.”