City businesses switch off lights

Residents and businesses in Derby have turned off their lights as part of an energy saving campaign.

Derby De-lights was the brainchild of the mayor - Councillor Pauline Latham - and follows in the steps of switch-offs in London and Sydney.

The event took place between 2100 and 2200 GMT on Monday and several major stores and organisations took part.

For safety reasons, street lights stayed on and householders were asked not to use candles.

Business support

Councillor Latham said: "I suggested this initiative because the environment is one of the themes for my mayoral year

"I would like the whole of Derby to make a public statement with Derby De-lights, but I also hope it will make us all evaluate how much energy we waste every day and help us get into better habits in the future."

Among organisations and businesses that pledged their support were Rolls-Royce, the University of Derby, Derby College, Marks & Spencer, Derby Cathedral, Bombardier Transportation and Derbyshire Building Society.