A TEES Valley council is leading by example in the drive to protect the environment and prevent climate change.

All of Hartlepool Borough Council's buildings, including the Civic Centre, the Town Hall Theatre, leisure centres, public halls and community centres, will switch over to green electricity from November 1.

And the authority is working towards having all of its schools powered in the same way in the not too distant future - with 32 out of 38 using renewable energy sources to meet their power demands from the start of next month.

In addition, almost 13,000 streetlights, 850 road signs and about 60 sets of traffic lights across the town are already using green electricity.

Helen Beaman, the council's environment co-ordinator, said: "The council recognises the importance of striving for a sustainable future, and it is important that we are seen to be practising what we preach.

"Previously, only the Civic Centre was powered exclusively by green electricity, and I am delighted that we are now in a position to power our other buildings in the same way."

About two-thirds of the UK's electricity is generated by burning gas and coal in power stations, resulting in the release of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide, the so-called greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change.

But the council has struck a deal with energy supplier npower, and the green electricity will be generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydro power.

Councillor Peter Jackson, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for performance management, said: "The council has a community leadership role, and I believe that it is vital that we set a good example."

Further information on green energy supplies and prices is available by logging on to www.energyhelpline.com