COUNCIL staff are being urged to join a national initiative designed to save energy.

The Save Your 20 Per Cent Campaign was launched last year and aims to get people across the country to make a cut in the energy they use at home and work, to help the environment.

Next week is Save Your 20 Per Cent Week and Darlington Borough Council is supporting the scheme, with staff being offered a free home energy check.

Participants will be asked questions about the energy they use at home and the Energy Saving Trust will compile an energy efficiency report with suggestions on how they can save their 20 per cent.

Throughout the week, trust staff will be in all main council buildings to offer advice to staff about the changes they can make.

A group of volunteers will be given training so they can pass on the energy efficiency message to their colleagues.

Stephen Harker, the council's cabinet member for consumer and environmental services, said that by taking part in the campaign: "Employees can make a contribution to saving energy and help save the precious natural resources of the planet.

"Of course, there is the added bonus of saving money through reduced fuel bills."