KINGSDOWN School is setting a shining example to students as it makes an effort to reduce its carbon footprint.

The school, in Upper Stratton, has put in a planning application to Swindon Council to install solar panels on the roof of one of its buildings.

The school was one of 25 in the country to be nominated in a competition run by the Daily Mail and British Gas.

British Gas has donated and will install the solar panels, worth between £20,000 and £40,000, which will cut up to 20 per cent off the school’s annual electricity bill.

Marlene Blackwell, Kingsdown’s business manager, said: “We were absolutely thrilled when we were told that we were one of the schools nominated. As well as the benefit in reducing our energy costs, students will be able to benefit from the solar panels.

“We are looking to ensure the students use them to learn more about renewable energy and being green. Being green is important to the school and we already have a silver award and we are working towards a green flag recognition.”

Work on the panels is hoped to be done during the summer holidays and for them to be up and running at the start of the next school year.

The school are hoping the money saved in energy bills will be used to enhance other areas of the school.

Wroughton Infant School has also applied for permission to install solar panels. No one was available to comment on the plans yesterday.