EXPERT help is at hand for builders and home owners renovating cold, damp, older properties.

The evening courses at Kendal College are designed to give people the skills to insulate traditionally built, solid-wall homes, and make them more cosy, energy-efficient and flood-resilient.

The course for homeowners and tradespeople starts on April 29 and will share the latest know-how on building techniques and insulation materials, as well as things to consider if a building is at risk of extreme weather or flooding.

Organiser Andrew Northcott, from Cumbria Action for Sustainability, said: "This course will help attendees decide on the best materials to use for different types of properties, depending on the way they were built and their location - everything from insulation to pointing, plaster and render."

Meanwhile the course starting on May 8 is aimed at architects, structural engineers and property developers. It will focus on understanding the overall building fabric and the differences between modern construction and older buildings.

The two-part courses are being offered by Cumbria Action for Sustainability, which promotes low-carbon living, energy saving and reduced use of fossil fuels, together with Kendal College and South Lakeland District Council.

"A lot of the skills and knowledge on looking after older properties have been lost and it’s crucial we rebuild those if we’re to help people struggling with damp, draughts and high heating bills," said Andrew.

"Using the wrong materials on these buildings can also damage the stone structure, so it’s important these beautiful buildings are treated in a way that preserves them. They’re so central to the heritage and look of our area.”

The courses will be led by James Innerdale, an experienced conservation architect based in South Lakeland. The subsidised cost is £30, thanks to support from the college and SLDC.

To find out more or book a place, visit cafs.org.uk/events or call 01768-210276.