TWO schools have launched a crowd-funding campaign to raise money for solar panels for their buildings.

Heycroft Primary School and Eastwood Primary School and Nursery have joined forces to cut carbon emissions, save energy and reduce their energy bills.

The two schools are the first in Essex to be welcomed on to the nationwide Solar Schools initiative, which is run by the charity 10:10.

It provides a crowd-funding platform and designated webpage for participating schools to reach out to local residents, communities and businesses to secure funding for their solar panels.

The schools in Leigh are aiming to raise £8,000 by the end of the summer to ensure their buildings can benefit from renewable energy.

Pupils have directed and filmed a short video promoting the project, which can be viewed on the Solar Schools website and have already run a cake sale at Southend Council offices and taken part in a Sunshine Day where pupils dressed in a solar theme to promote the project.

The pupils are also sending out letters to local businesses asking for their support.

Alongside future planned fundraising events, the project has helped improve pupils’ understanding of the importance of sustainability, energy efficiency and protecting the environment. Debbie Jenkins, business manager at Eastwood Primary School and Nursery, said: “The project will enable the school to make significant savings and even generate money, which can be ploughed straight back into education.

“Involvement in the project has been a fantastic experience and we are all looking forward to having solar panels on our school in the future.”

To support the schools, visit: solarschools.org.uk/heycroftpri mary and solar schools.

org.uk/eastwoodprimary.