AN ECO-awareness week was held by a green-minded school to celebrate its new solar panelling scheme.
St Cuthbert's Primary School, in Great Glen, has seen 20 solar panels fitted to its flat roof after it secured a £20,000 Solar4Schools renewable energy grant – the first in the county to do so.
The work was completed in March and the school organi
sed various environmentally-themed activities in March to mark completion of the project.
There were poems, murals, songs and talks outlining the damage caused by pollution and focusing on how renewable energy works.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with Harborough MP Edward Garnier carrying out the official duties. The day also saw displays about wind turbines, solar panels, water heaters and the process involved in vegetable waste composting.
Solar4Schools grants are sponsored by Barclays Bank and the Low-Carbon Building Programme as part of a Department for Trade and Industry initiative.
The four kilowatt system is linked to a box in the school reception which shows how much energy is being created.
It could make a saving of about two tons of CO2 a year and will reduce the school's annual fuel bills.
Head teacher Marlene Branagh said: "It's too early yet to know how much we will save on our bills but it could be significant. We are very grateful to parent governor Steve Charlish for his efforts in securing the grant."
District councillor and parent governor Steve Charlish said: "It's fantastic and a huge environmental boost.
"The pupils had an entire eco-awareness week and saw an exhibition about renewable energy."
