AN ILLUMINATING way to save money is the goal of Horsell CofE Junior School – but the pupils need YOUR help to achieve it.

The junior school is in the running for a £12,000 grant from M&S Energy to replace its original old-fashioned fluorescent strip lighting with energy-efficient LED lights.

“All that's needed is an email address to vote,” said Bev Tighe, administrative assistant at the school in Meadway Drive. “It takes less than a minute.”

Currently in second place, the school hopes that local support over the next couple of weeks can make all the difference before voting closes on Friday, 20 October.

“LED lights are far more energy efficient and will save the school money at a time when school budgets are tight,” said head teacher Jessica Steele.

“More importantly the fluorescent tube light bulbs buzz and flicker in the classroom which is distracting for all the children and for our hearing-impaired children the buzzing is audible and can interfere with their hearing aids.”

“We would love to be able to install LED lighting in all our classrooms which will make annual savings to our energy bill as well as creating a better learning environment for the children,” she added.

The new lighting would help the school to reduce its carbon footprint as well as save money. The pupils are already keen to help the environment, with “eco warriors” at the school making sure lights are turned off and doors closed when classrooms are empty.

To help Horsell Junior School in their bid for the grant, visit the link to M&S community energy fund – www.mandsenergyfund.com/projects/horsell-junior-school-lets-save  – and record your vote for this local project.