Homes are to be kitted out with a host of eco-friendly devices as part of a major scheme to help save money, water and energy.

Merstham and Redhill have been selected as the first places in the country to take part in the major UK-wide project Tap into Savings.

Nearly 1,000 homes will be fitted with a range of water efficient devices, energy monitors and other energy saving products to help slash household bills and make homes more environmentally friendly.

A recent survey of those living in Redhill and Merstham revealed 89 per cent of people say they are already doing as much as they can to save vital household resources, but about half (46 per cent) also said they'd like to do more.

Joanne Zygmunt, programme manager of Tap into Savings, said: "It is great news that lots of people are already making efforts to save but we have a growing need to use our resources wisely.

"Here in South East England, for example, we have less water available per person than drier, hotter countries like Morocco and Egypt.

"Tap into Savings will help people make the water and energy they use go further, making it easier to help the environment – and to save a bit of money."

Households taking part in the scheme will also be given advice on water and energy usage as well as being invited to join their neighbourhood's EcoTeams – small groups of neighbours and friends who jointly find ways to save water and energy, waste less and recycle more.

Tap into Savings is a joint water and energy saving project being delivered by Waterwise, Global Action Plan, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Raven Housing Trust, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and the Environment Agency, and funded in part by Defra's Greener Living Fund.

The scheme will also be delivered in two other areas in the UK – the Midlands and East Anglia – and will jointly involve more than 10,000 people before results are announced later this year.

Ms Zygmunt, who works for water efficiency group Waterwise, said: "By installing water and energy efficient products in our homes and making small changes in our behaviour, together we can make significant savings."

Selected homes in Redhill and Merstham are being provided with a range of devices, including tap inserts and dual flush kits as well as energy monitors, power-down plugs and energy saving lightbulbs.

The roll-out of the project follows a successful pilot scheme, which Eric Dollin, 81, and wife Sonia, 74, took part in.

Mr Dollin, of Radstock Way, Merstham, said:

"The work they did on our taps was very good, it's using less water but it hasn't slowed it down. They also put a gel in the toilet which saves water.

"We also got an energy monitor, which has made us realise how much electricity we're using.

"I found it a real help, it's really been good for us."

Tap into Savings was launched on Friday and Saturday at the Belfry Shopping Centre, where shoppers had the chance to win a water and energy efficient washing machine.