FORMER Blur bassist Alex James has revealed the preoccupations of middle-aged rock stars - world peace and goats' cheese.

Mr James retired from his rock'n'roll lifestyle four years ago and bought a farmhouse in Kingham.

He has been seeking energy-saving tips to convert a disused barn into an HQ for his cheese empire in the greenest way possible, calling in the services of an energy adviser.

Jackie Williams, advice services manager for the Thames Valley Energy Centre, visited his home on Friday, to offer some energy-saving advice.

He said: "I want to build a new headquarters for the cheese I'm making, which is called Little Wallop, and I'd like to make the barn, a roofless ruin at the moment, into my headquarters.

"I was glad Jackie could come along because I had all sorts of questions for her about LED lighting and wood burners and what kind of windows to install.

"These are wonderful old buildings and they have wonderfully thick walls and a charm that new buildings lack, but it's a good idea to seek this kind of advice before you start on a project like this because you will get your money back - the advice comes free.

"For middle-aged rock stars, world poverty, world peace and climate change are major concerns."

Ms Williams said the Thames Valley Energy Centre could only provide limited advice for businesses but she was prepared to make an exception for Mr James on this occasion.

She added: "As the 'Energy Doctor' I completed a Home Energy Check questionnaire at Alex James' home. This was a fairly broad survey of the home which will result in recommendations on how to reduce energy consum- ption."

The energy centre, owned by West Oxfordshire District Council, works to promote sustainable projects.