FIRE IT UP!

Sales of wood-burning stoves have risen by 40pc in the past year as Britons look to protect themselves from soaring energy bills. Around 35,000 log burners were purchased in the three months to June, compared with around 25,000 during the same period last year, according to the Stove Industry Alliance, a trade body. Andy Hill, of the SIA, said people were investing in the stoves to supplement their gas and electric heating and were also worried about the possibility of power cuts this winter. Buying a high-quality log burner costs £2,000 on average. With installation factored in, the total price is £4,000.