A CHURCH is pressing ahead with plans to generate engergy from solar panels, wind and heat exchange in a bid to help cut its mounting heating costs.

But any fears that the church tower of St Peter's, which dominates Harrogate's shopping centre, will be turned into mini wind farm have been dismissed.

The Reverend Tony Shepherd, vicar of St Peter's, said the Grade II listed building would be protected from any equipment erected on the church. Anything obtrusive would most likely be sited between the church and its Cambridge Street neighbour, British Homes Stores. And it would be well out of sight of public view.

Ideas for sustainable sources of energy are being put to the church council shortly.

Mr Shepherd said such measures would help to cut the church's heating bill, which runs into several thousand pounds a year.

But he is also keen that it sends out a wider message that they were taking sustainable energy very seriously.

The church is well placed for advice on such issues. Its congregation includes an expert on wind power, someone who can create fresh water from sea water and a heating engineer.

The trio of talents are expected to play a key part in the venture.