A DALES community is at the forefront of the switch to renewable energy sources.

Community Energy Solutions (CES) was launched yesterday as a two-year pilot project to deliver clean, renewable energy alternatives to 20 communities across the North-East.

As part of the scheme, 500 homes in Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, will soon have the option of switching to renewable energy provision.

CES chief executive Chris Leek said: "We're very excited about our plans for Middleton-in-Teesdale.

"We believe if all residents support the plans, it will be the first project of this scale in the UK to switch entirely to heating systems like biomass boilers or solar power.

"There are some areas, like Middleton, which are isolated and a long way from the mains gas supply. It is simply not an option to try to extend the mains to that area."

Mr Leek said the response to the project had been "generally supportive".

"We will continue to consult with them, as we do on all of our projects, every step of the way," said Mr Leek.

CES is a not-for-profit "community interest" company set up for the two-year trial period, and backed by the Department of Trade and Industry and regional development agency One NorthEast, and the National Grid's Affordable Warmth project.

If successful, the scheme could be extended across the country.

The scheme was launched at St James' Park, in Newcastle, yesterday, where it was endorsed by Lord Truscott of St James, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Energy.