YORKSHIRE Water is urging customers to save themselves an expensive headache this winter as the cold weather takes hold.

Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show that a staggering 374,000 claims for damage caused to homes by frozen pipes were made across the country last year alone - and many people don't realise they are responsible for pipes on their property with bills for burst pipes as high as £6,500-£7,000.

The company has issued tips to help customers keep their homes warm and dry:

• Spot potential problem areas – keep an eye out for any pipework and taps that might be exposed to freezing temperatures.

• Protect your pipes and taps with lagging or foam insulation.

• Keep central heating ticking over, if possible.

• Learn where your stop tap is and check it regularly.

• If the worst happens - don't use central heating to thaw out. Turn off your stop tap; check for dripping water and split pipes; if there aren't any leaks, turn your stop tap back on and open a tap inside the house - for example the kitchen tap and use a hairdryer to gently melt the ice in the direction of the flow of water and never use a naked flame.

If you find a pipe has burst, turn off your stop tap and contact a plumber.

More tips for winter are available at www.yorkshirewater.com/homehappy