POWER to the pupils - youngsters at a North Yorkshire school have proved they are bright sparks by switching to a greener form of energy.

The Allertonshire School in Northallerton has officially switched on £20,000-worth solar panels to cut its carbon footprint.

The rooftop panels have been half-funded by the Co-operative’s £2m Green Energy for Schools scheme with match-funding from the Government’s Low Carbon Building Programme.

They should generate around 3,300 kWh of electricity each year – enough to power a computer for 33,000 hours or to make 180,000 cups of tea for thirsty teachers – saving around two tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Headteacher David Bradley said: "We are proud to be among the schools leading the way on renewable energy through this generous Co-operative scheme.

"We are already working hard to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and switching on these rooftop solar panels will instantly boost our efforts while sending out a strong message about our commitment to helping the environment."

The Co-operative’s head of community and campaigns, Michael Fairclough, added: "As a community business with a long track record in using renewable energy to power our own buildings, it makes sense to bring our experience and funding to help a local school in this way.

"By switching on these solar panels, Allertonshire School is teaching the next generation about climate change, while setting an excellent example to other schools, businesses and homes in Northallerton.

"We hope this will inspire wider efforts to reduce the whole community’s carbon footprint."