A GREENKEEPER’S store in County Durham has lived up to its name by switching to solar power.

Seaham-based renewable energy company Greenguru has fitted solar panels to the building at the Hobson Golf Club, near Stanley.

The contract was one of £300,000- worth of installations it has completed since opening in January.

Founder David Clough, who lives in Hawthorn, near Peterlee, explained how his business was flourishing in the booming renewable energy sector.

He said: “I saw the potential that green energy was going to have in the coming years and, after doing a lot of research, I decided to move in that direction.”

Mr Clough asked Business Link, the regional business support service, for advice, and his company now employs five staff, plus subcontractors, and has opened a showroom in Seaham.

“My Business Link advisor, Alan Revie, was on hand with advice whenever needed, and it was a big help,” said David, who had to train in plumbing and electrical skills before applying to become an accredited solar contractor, adding: “As gas and oil begin to run out, and fuel prices rise, this business will grow.

“The way we heat and light our homes will change dramatically in the next ten years. The tariff means installing solar panels on your home to produce electricity is a good investment, better than money in the bank. I’m confident things will go on getting better.”