A couple say they have saved £15,000 after refusing to use their central heating for 10 years.

Despite some freezing British winters, Joanne and Jim Bell managed by keep warm by wearing extra layers of clothing and using hot water bottles.

The c-c-c-couple, from Yelland in Devon, claim they save about £1,500 a year and recently spent £1,000 of that money on going to live concerts by Neil Young and Bob Dylan.

Mrs Bell said: "It feels uncomfortable when I'm in other people's houses now. It's too warm for me.

"Our heating bills used to be about £1,500 a year so we've saved thousands over 10 years.


"When it gets very cold we just wear plenty of layers and use hot water bottles.

"I don't notice the cold any more. We've got two dogs and do plenty of walking which keeps you warm.

"It can't be that bad because neither of us has been ill in that time."

She said the move to not use their central heating was originally made in protest at the proliferation of wind farms.

Mrs Bell explained: "I'm a wildlife lover and when I saw so many birds being killed by the blades of the wind turbines popping up everywhere I just felt I wanted to do something.

"Now I don't know any different - I'm so used to it."

Despite the massive savings made, the 75-year-old warned: "I'm not recommending it for everyone.

"If you have sick or elderly relatives you simply couldn't do it - or if you have young children it wouldn't be possible."