REPRESENTATIVES from Darlington Borough Council and The Energy Saving Trust appeared in the town's Cornmill Centre as part of national Energy Saving Week.

The event began last Monday and on Friday marked its fifth day by inviting residents to the shopping centre to seek advice on how to reduce their energy use, and save money by doing so.

Representatives at the Cornmill Centre reinforced their message by handing out energy-saving lightbulbs, stickers and pens, while asking visitors to fill out postcards pledging to reduce the amount of energy they use.

The aim of the campaign has been to encourage Darlington residents to cut down their energy use by 20 per cent, by not doing things such as overfilling the kettle and leaving electrical appliances on standby.

The council also wants residents to become Energy Champions by convincing others to save energy, as well as doing so themselves.

"Energy Champions are volunteers who want to help their work colleagues, family, neighbours or friends reduce the amount of energy they use," according to Stephen Harker, Darlington council's cabinet member for consumer and environmental services.

He added: "We can all use low energy light bulbs and switch off lights in empty rooms and these things do make a difference."