By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 13:09, Wednesday, 13 March 2013

A primary school is on track to be one of the first powered by sunshine – but it needs your help to achieve the dream.

Pupils are encouraged to think green

St Gregory and St Patrick’s Catholic Community School at Corkickle, Whitehaven, has raised just over £1,000 of a £10,000 target which will enable it to install solar panels.

But there are only four months left for the remaining cash to flow in and the school is appealing for people and companies to put their hands in their pockets in support.

The school is among 40 schools in the UK hoping to invest in the technology which will reduce the energy bills by between six and 10 per cent.

Staff and pupils are no strangers to going green and helping the environment, as the school already uses wind power, has geo-thermal heating, and is heavily involved in recycling.

The school’s eco-co-ordinator, teacher Margaret Messenger, is urging companies that are involved in solar power to back their case as well as the public.

“We are hopeful that we will raise the money,” said Mrs Messenger. “I’m sure we will do it one way or another.

“The children are very aware of environment issues in every class and every year group.”

She added that solar power was the way forward as the money spent on increasing energy bills could be used on resources for the pupils instead.

If they reach the target, the solar panels would be installed over the summer holidays.

The Solar Schools campaign is being led by environmental group 10:10 and is backed by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Nesta, Tudor Trust and the Bertha Foundation, Co-Operative Energy, Mumsnet and Lush Cosmetics.

St Gregory and St Patrick’s is the only school in Cumbria to be involved in the scheme.

People can purchase a “virtual” tile for £5, as well as writing a message to support the donation. To do this visit www.solarschools.org.uk

First published at 11:35, Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk