CHANDELIERS have been switched to low-energy bulbs as part of a hotel's attempt to reduce its carbon footprint.

Hotel guests are also being asked to play their part in making the venue environmentally friendly.

The Raven Hall Country House Hotel, at Robin Hood's Bay, has installed more than 500 of the lightbulbs to cut its energy consumption.

The project was part-funded by York and North Yorkshire Business Environmental Forum, which provides grants up to £1,500 for energy-efficient improvements to rural, upland and coastal businesses in the county.

Clive Rowe-Evans, the managing director of Epworth Hotels, which bought the 110-year-old hotel three years ago, said: "Our beautiful chandeliers and lighting are essential to the atmosphere of a country house hotel, but we also want to be as energy-efficient as possible, and are even asking guests not to leave televisions on stand-by in their rooms."

Low-energy bulbs were installed in about 75 per cent of the hotel's lights, because the technology is not available for all types of fittings.

Therese Hamill, the forum's business environmental co-ordinator, said: "Our aim is to make the areas we serve the most energy efficient in the UK. Addressing climate change can be helped by each of us thinking how we can adopt practical measures such as these.

"We are delighted that Raven Hall Country House Hotel spotted an opportunity to reduce its energy use while retaining its wonderful atmosphere, and are particularly pleased that this has been noted by guests."

The grants are backed by the European Regional Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward and managed by Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

To apply for help, call 01904-554541, or visit www.here4green business.co.uk