'I used Martin Lewis MSE's heated blanket advice' to cut energy bills - Nottinghamshire Live

Last Autumn, Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website advised people to 'heat the human, not the home'. People were encouraged to explore other ways of staying warm rather than cranking up their central heating.

One such method suggested was heated or electric blankets. It's crucial to note that Martin Lewis has repeatedly stated he doesn't endorse specific items. Still, we took MSE's advice on bill-saving products and picked this cosy Dreamland one - as Lakeland launches its mid-season sale.

Usually priced at £109.99, it's now reduced to £89.99 for a limited period. As well as Dreamland, brands including StaySnug and The Snuggler are now up to £40 cheaper in the sale.

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Shopping Editor Rachel Pugh found one to keep warm all winter, the Lakeland's Dreamland Sherpa Tartan Heated Throw. Picking up the throw to stay warm, this is what she had to say:

I realise this may be beyond some shoppers' budget, but considering it costs pennies to operate, and it's completely eradicated the need for central heating in my flat, it seemed a cost-effective choice for me. It's also far more practical than a standard electric blanket.

Its throw/blanket design means I can comfortably snuggle up with it on the sofa, or wrap it around me while working from home. I'm also utterly smitten with its design - it adds an elegant touch to my living room, and looks far pricier than some other heated blankets on the market, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Dreamland Sherpa Tartan Check Heated Throw claims to warm up in only five minutes, but from personal experience, I'd say you feel the heat even quicker. This could be due to the luxuriously fluffy sherpa fabric lining, but either way, I find myself feeling cosy almost immediately after snuggling into it.

It offers six different temperature settings, allowing you to control the warmth. Typically, I start with the highest setting and then reduce it once I'm comfortably warm or if I'm dozing off to avoid waking up overheating.

As for sleep, it's perfectly safe to use in bed or for a sofa nap, as the blanket features an auto shut-off option after 1, 3 or 9 hours. This means you can keep it on for as long or as short a time as you like without any hassle.

According to Lakeland, it utilises patented Intelliheat technology, which maintains your body's ideal temperature to ensure you stay warm when necessary. The ultra-thin five-layer heat sensors check the temperature 25 times per second to adapt to you and your environment, creating your own perfect microclimate.

Lastly, it's worth noting that the Dreamland Sherpa Tartan Check Heated Throw Beige is machine washable - a relief for pet owners (my Frenchie has a habit of commandeering it, so regular washing is a must). The blanket, minus the detachable lead, is machine washable and can be tumble dried for quick and easy cleaning. It also comes with a reusable storage bag to keep it dust-free and neatly stored away when not in use.

If this style or colour doesn't tickle your fancy, Lakeland offers a wide range of heated throws and blankets, many of which are currently on offer. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the Cosi Home Luxury Heated Throw is now priced at £49.99, reduced from £59.99 on Amazon. Alternatively, the Dreamcatcher Grey Heated Throw Electric Blanket is available for £36.54, down from £44.99, also on Amazon.