A FUNDRAISING campaign to raise £2.7m to build a solar farm in Purton has exceeded its target.

In total, £2.9m has been raised to support the array project, called Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy (WWCE) through a scheme funded by public investment, with partipants being awarded an annual return once the array is operational.

The scheme already has planning permission and will see a 5MW solar array built at Braydon Manor Farm.

The group has already built a solar array at Chelworth, which has produced average returns of 7 per cent for investors, with similar returns forecast for the Braydon Manor Farm project. Additional funds raised will be invested in new projects.

Lesley Bennett, WWCE chairman, said: “We are really pleased that WWCE’s second community energy share offer has been so successful, and have been particularly encouraged that most of the investment has come from people all across Wiltshire.

“This will be one of the largest community-owned solar projects in the country, something Wiltshire can be truly proud of.

"It will provide a huge boost for biodiversity, helping improve wildlife habitats by creating new wildflower meadows and a haven for bees, butterflies and a host of other wildlife.”

The solar farm will produce enough power to supply around 1,400 homes. Building work will start in the spring with the site expected to be running by June.

Marlborough makes up a large proportion of funding for the solar farm, with 11.8 per cent of the money coming from residents there, while Swindon people have supplied five per cent of the cash.

However, investments have also been received from as far afield as the USA and Zimbabwe. For details on the WWCE and how to get involved, log on to wwce.org